HC Deb 17 March 1994 vol 239 cc811-2W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the reasons for the introduction of the new regional, district and area management structure of the Employment Service; how will it differ from existing arrangements; what are the implications for awarding and monitoring contracts entered into with external organisations operating job clubs; how it relates to and affects PACT—placing assessment and counseling—teams and other services for unemployed people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Ms Clare Short, dated 17 March 1994: The Secretary of State for Employment has asked me to reply to your question about the new introduction of the Employment Service management structure. The Employment Service (ES) is setting up a structure of Districts in order to focus more effectively on the delivery of services to its clients, and provide better value for money. Districts will consist of a number of local offices serving discreet local labour markets, and they will be managed through the existing network of ES Regions. The new arrangements become operational from April 1994, when the Area tier of management will cease. The new structure will ensure that more senior managers will be directly responsible for managing resources and performance within districts. The existing network of local offices will remain in place, and continue delivering services to clients. District Managers will be responsible for awarding contracts to external organisations operating Jobclubs, and for ensuring that these contracts are monitored. In this they will be assisted by programme contracting specialists. The specialist disability service delivered by Placing, Assessment and Counselling teams (PACTs) will be strengthened by the appointment of Regional managers. Their role is to maximise the potential of PACTs, establish effective working relationships with local offices in the new districts and ensure that the appropriate specialist programmes and services are available for clients. They will also work with District Managers to provide appropriate help for clients with disabilities who do not need specialist help in funding or retaining work. I hope this is helpful.

Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many women are employed by the Employment Service; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total work force of the Employment Service.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mrs. Ann Clwyd, dated 17 March 1994: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of women employed by the Employment Service and what percentage of the total workforce this represents. I have looked at the latest available staff-in-post figures taken at 1 January 1994. These show that we presently employ 49,061 staff. Of this figure 35,119 are women, which represents 71 per cent. of the total workforce. I hope this is helpful.