Jobplan Workshops (Hansard, 14 February 1996)

§ Mr. Forth

Responsibility for the subject of the question 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 Mike Fogden to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 14 February 1996: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about Jobplan Workshops. It may be helpful if I explain that Jobplan aims to help people who have been unemployed for a year or more to compete successfully for jobs and opportunities. About 80% of the people who become unemployed leave the unemployment register within a year. Those who remain can lose confidence and believe there are few options open to them. It is therefore important that at this stage people take a fresh look at their situation, have the chance to review their strengths and skills and set themselves new clear, achievable job goals, and take advantage of the range of help available. Jobplan supports people in this by providing personal reviews, access to a computer assisted occupational guidance program, and the opportunity to work with others to identify areas where they need additional help. During the week participants draw up a comprehensive action plan which maps out the steps that they need to take to find work. During the period April to December 1995, 5% of Jobplan participants found work within thirteen weeks of completing a workshop. In addition, a further 32% started on another employment, training or educational opportunity such as Training for Work, Jobclub or a college course. I hope this is helpful.