§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will place in the Library a copy of the documentation which has been issued to the staff of the Employment Service relating to the measures that they should take to encourage the long-term unemployed to opt for Government training programmes. [5388]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthResponsibility 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 Leigh Lewis to Mr. Brian H. Donohoe, dated 27 June 1997:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the documentation issued to Employment Service staff relating to the measures they should take to encourage the long term unemployed to opt for government training programmes. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.Guidance on all aspects of dealing with jobseekers following the introduction of the Jobseeker's Allowance was issued to Employment Service staff in October 1997 and amendments issued when appropriate. Copies of the guides are held in the Library.649WIt may be helpful if I explain that, in addition to regular fortnightly reviews, Employment Service advisers interview all jobseekers at six monthly intervals to review their situation, their work goals and the steps they have been taking to find work. As part of this they assess each jobseeker's needs, identify any barriers to employment and consider what options are available to help them back into work. Advice is tailored to meet an individual's needs and could include information about jobs; employment programmes such as Jobclub; and training opportunities, such as Training for Work.In addition to the advice and information provided during advisory interviews and at fortnightly reviews, information about a range of opportunities is available in the "Just the Job" leaflet which is held in all Jobcentres.I hope this is helpful.