HC Deb 02 November 1993 vol 231 cc155-6W
Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of those receiving youth training are assessed as having serious problems with reading, writing and spelling.

Miss Widdecombe

Of those who left youth training in Great Britain in 1992–93, 1 per cent. had been assessed as having a severe literacy need. Over the same period, 27 per cent. of leavers had been assessed as having a special training need, which may have included problems with reading, writing and spelling.

Mr. David Nicholson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the contribution that improved literacy standards might make in reducing unemployment.

Miss Widdecombe

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recognises the importance of improved literacy standards in helping to reduce unemployment. The Government support the employer-led training and enterprise councils which assess locally what skills the labour market requires, including, where necessary, increased literacy standards for unemployed people to help them back in to work.