HC Deb 08 June 1993 vol 226 cc227-8W
Mr. Callaghan

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what further steps she proposes to reduce the numbers of long-term unemployed.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

At the time of the Budget, a number of new programmes were announced which are aimed at helping long-term unemployed people, and which will start in the summer. They comprise: Community Action which will provide 60,000 oppor-tunities for people unemployed over 12 months to do voluntary work of benefit to the community, while looking for work. Learning for Work which will provide 30,000 oppor-tunities for people unemployed over 12 months to pursue vocationally relevant full-time education to enhance their skills and career prospects. Workstart pilots which will test the effectiveness of giving employers a financial incentive to employ people who have been unemployed for a minimum of two years. A TEC Challenge Fund which will support imaginative ideas to help unemployed people into work. 10,000 further opportunities on the Business Start-Up scheme in addition to the 40,000 which already exist to encourage unemployed people to set up their own businesses. These are in addition to existing programmes which already provide extensive opportunities for long-term unemployed people, including: Training for Work, offering 320,000 opportunities for skills training, work experience or shorter work preparation courses. Jobplan Workshops and Restart courses offering a total of 410,000 opportunities for unemployed people to assess their employment prospects and skills and to rebuild their self-confidence. Jobclubs offering practical advice and help to 295,000 long-term unemployed people who are looking for work. Job Interview Guarantee offering 300,000 opportunities to unemployed people to acquire training in self-presentation or work trials followed by a guaranteed interview with an employer with suitable vacancies.