§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in what circumstances unemployed benefit recipients who are engaged in community self-build housing schemes from October 1996, will be required to limit their self-build participation to(a) 21 hours and (b) 16 hours in a week; and if the figures will be the same for (i) those carrying out self-build work on a voluntary basis, (ii) self-builders participating in training and enterprise council-funded training programmes and (iii) those participating in European social fund-funded programmes. [23058]
§ Mr. ForthThe Jobseeker's Allowance Regulations 1996 make no special provisions for people who participate in self-build housing schemes. To be entitled to JSA all jobseekers must be available for and actively seeking employment, and not in remunerative work for 16 hours or more per week as defined in the JSA regulations. The current approach in income support that those involved in self-build schemes will not usually be treated as engaged in remunerative work will be carried forward into JSA. Each claim from a jobseeker who participates in a self-build scheme will be considered on the individual facts of the case.