Specialist Training

HC Deb 23 July 2002 vol 389 c1035W

Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what guidance and specialist training is given to staff in benefits offices and jobcentres in dealing with people with learning difficulties; and if he will make a statement. [65785]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive, Leigh Lewis. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member.

General Matching Service
	1995–96	1996–97	1997–98	1998–99	/999–2000	2000–01	2001–02
Referrals issued	62,937	85,071	137,307	139,292	217,039	234,671	167,950
Positive results1	2—	2—	2—	2—	67,121	86,598	83,742
Successful prosecutions	2—	2—	2—	2—	63	844	952
Cautions and administrative penalties	2—	2—	2—	2—	288	2,417	2,497
Total overpayments3 (£ million)	2—	2—	2—	2—	35.0	59.5	65.5
Total negative monetary value adjustment4 (£ million)	2—	2—	2—	2—	1.9	2.5	3.0