HC Deb 22 January 1996 vol 270 cc72-3W
Mr. Ian McCartney

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how employment levels in the Employment Service will be affected by the implementation of the jobseekers's allowance; [9790]

(2) how many surplus staff there will be in the Employment Service as a result of the implementation of the jobseeker's allowance. [9789]

Mr. Forth

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 Mike Fogden to Mr. Ian McCartney, dated 22 January 1996: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about the planned staffing levels in the Employment Service (ES) as a result of the implementation of the Jobseeker's Allowance, and how many surplus staff there would be as a result of that implementation. There is no target for specific efficiency savings in staff numbers as a result in the implementation of JSA. In fact during the implementation period some additional staffing will be required. However, if unemployment continues to fall fewer staff will be required and the expectation is that there will be a modest reduction in total staffing. The actual staffing figures for ES—and therefore possible staff surpluses—have not yet been finalised and this will, to some extent, depend upon discussions with the Benefits Agency about staff transferring. I hope this is helpful.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if individuals voluntarily leaving their job will receive any contributory jobseeker's allowance after 8 April. [10298]

Mr. Forth

Jobseeker's allowance will be introduced on 7 October 1996. If people have voluntarily left their employment as employed earners without just cause, contribution—based JSA will not be payable to them for a period of at least one week but not more than 26 weeks. Decisions will be made by independent adjudication officers, who will also decide the period of non-payment in each individual case.

Mr. Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be in the implications after 8 April for claims for contributory jobseekers's allowance of suspension of an applicant's unemployment benefit because that applicant voluntarily left a job. [10323]

Mr. Forth

Jobseeker's allowance will be introduced on 7 October 1996. Until that date, claims for unemployment benefit will continue to be suspended pending an adjudication officer's decision as to whether claimants have voluntarily left their employment without just cause. After 7 October, provided the jobseeker satisfies the entitlement conditions that he is available to be employed, actively seeking employment, and has entered into a jobseeker's agreement, payment of JSA will be made in full pending an adjudication officer's decision on a leaving voluntarily question.