HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc566-7W
Mr. Bradley

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many people who have been found capable of work under the all-work test of capacity who have subsequently signed on as unemployed receive(a) unemployment benefit only, (b) income support only and (c) unemployment benefit and income support; [20163]

(2) how many people who have been found capable of work under the all-work test of capacity have subsequently signed on as unemployed (a) in total and (b) for each of the months since April 1995. [20164]

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. Keith Bradley, dated 12 March 1996. The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me to reply to your questions about the number of people found capable of work under the All Work Test who subsequently sign on as unemployed. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Employment Service. In the period April 1995 to January 1996, 27,719 people disallowed Income Support following the All Work Test have made a claim to unemployment benefits. A monthly breakdown of these claims is attached. No figures are available as to whether these people are receiving unemployment benefit only, Income Support only or unemployment benefit and Income Support. I hope this is helpful.

April 1995 to January 1996
Month Number of claims Cumulative total
April
May 428 428
June 518 938
July 1,448 2,386
August 2,880 5,266
September 3,708 8,974
October 4,519 13,493
November 5,059 18,552
December 4,366 22,918
January 4,801 27,719