§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to change the 21-hour rule in Northern Ireland; and what impact they will have on the freedom to study. [4511]
§ Mr. MossCurrently, certain unemployed people, broadly those who have been unemployed for three months or more in the last six and who are undertaking part-time study of not more than 21 hours a week, are treated as available for work provided that they are prepared to give their course up if a job becomes available. This is in addition to the provisions that allow claimants to study part-time provided they remain available for and are actively seeking employment.
Under the jobseeker's allowance in Northern Ireland, there will be similar rules designed to allow the same number of unemployed people to study part-time while claiming benefits as do so now.