HC Deb 22 March 1995 vol 257 cc245-6W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment in what circumstances participation in a part-time education or training course count as one of the job-seeking steps necessary to satisfy the actively seeking work condition; and if participation in a part-time education or training course is regarded as a positive outcome from a restart interview. [15247]

Miss Widdecombe

The steps an individual is required to take in any week are those which are reasonable in his or her case and which offer him or her the best prospects of receiving offers of employment. Participation in a part-time education or training course cannot count as a step towards satisfying the actively seeking employment condition, because it does not lead directly to offers of employment. However, it is recognised that people undertaking part-time courses will not have as much time to seek work as other clients and this is taken into account in considering the steps taken by a client in any week.

Part-time education can enhance some clients prospects of finding work in the longer term and so Employment Service advisers will give advice and guidance on part-time education opportunities available and the implications as far as benefits are concerned. However, clients who start part-time education following a restart interview are not counted towards our positive outcome targets unless they also leave the unemployment register.

Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment in what circumstances an unemployed person participating in a part-time education or training course will not be required to attend a compulsory restart or workwise course or jobplan workshop; and what arrangements are made to ensure that those who are required to attend the course or workshop do not have their part-time study disrupted. [15248]

Miss Widdecombe

It has been a long-standing principle of the social security system that unemployment benefits are not paid unconditionally but involve reciprocal obligations on the part of the claimant. These include fulfilling the requirements of both being available for and actively seeking work for the days on which benefit is claimed. This requirement applies to all unemployed people, including people who may be studying on a part-time basis.

Equally, the requirement to attend jobplan, 1–2–l/workwise—worklink in Scotland—or restart courses includes those who are undertaking part-time study. However, wherever possible arrangements will be made for attendance to fall at a time outside normal study hours or exam times.

Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment in what circumstances people can participate on a part-time basis in training for work and community action; to what participation allowance they would be entitled; and if he will make a statement. [15172]

Mr. Paice

Under the arrangements that will apply to training for work in 1995–96, non-employed trainees can participate part time as long as their planned training averages at least 15 hours in a seven day period. There are no minimum hours for employed status trainees. Non-employed trainees receive an allowance based on their benefit entitlement when they joined the programme, plus a supplement of £10 per week.

Community action is a part-time programme. Participation lasts for a minimum of 21 hours a week. People participating in this programme receive an allowance equivalent to their normal benefit rate plus £10 per week.