§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he is introducing to provide training for those over 55 years old. [30999]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithAs from April 1998, work based training will be introduced for long-term unemployed adults, including those aged between 55 and 63. This will help them to improve their skills and job prospects through an individually tailored combination of guidance, work experience, training and qualifications.
Those over 55 years, who have been unemployed for two years or more, will also be eligible for training opportunities available through the New Deal for long-term unemployed people, which starts in June.