HC Deb 20 January 2003 vol 398 cc110-1W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to create(a) employers' forums and (b)job assist centres for the four areas targeted for special action regarding employability. [91779]

Jane Kennedy

On 16 December I launched the report of the Taskforce on Employability and Long-Term Unemployment and announced my intention to pilot Targeted Initiatives as a new approach to tackling these issues in four areas. As part of the pilot arrangements the Department for Employment and Learning will implement the commitment in the Taskforce report to put in place a local consultative process in each targeted area. This process will actively involve employers whose support will be a key factor in helping people overcome their barriers to employment and find work. A range of measures, including a model Job Assist Centre, will also be put in place in each area. My officials are currently developing the arrangements necessary for the implementation of these initiatives.

Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the costs per participant are on(a) the Northern Ireland Employment Support Programme and (b) the Workstep programme in Great Britain. [91850]

Jane Kennedy

The costs per participant on the Employment Support programme in Northern Ireland were approximately £5,500 in 2001–02, the latest year for which figures are available. This figure includes the wage subsidy paid to employers to take account of the disabled workers assessed output and the fee paid to the sponsor organisations that deliver the programme on behalf of the Department.

The costs per participant on the Workstep programme in GB in 2001–02 were £3,800. This amount is paid at a flat rate to delivery organisations with no account taken of the level of wages paid or the severity of the disability of the worker.

The delivery mechanism and funding arrangements for the Employment Support programme in Northern Ireland are presently under review and a public consultation was carried out at the end of 2002.