§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he proposes to encourage unemployed people to pursue education and training courses without affecting their entitlement to the jobseeker's allowance; and if he will direct job centres to operate a more flexible approach. [3927]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthWe will keep this issue under review as we develop our Welfare to Work reforms.
In April this year the Workskill Pilots were introduced in four areas to evaluate more flexible arrangements for people to undertake employment-related education and training while receiving the Jobseeker's Allowance. We will wish to evaluate carefully the outcome of the Pilots.