§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills (1) if he will extend school holiday pay and jobseeker's allowance to education support staff; [118255]
(2) what plans he has to limit the use of term-time only contracts for education support staff; and if he will make a statement. [118257]
§ Mr. MilibandPay and conditions of service for education support staff are determined locally, in the light of local needs and circumstances.
Jobseeker's Allowance is an issue for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. Jobseeker's Allowance is intended to support those who are out of work and looking for a job. Our view is that the most appropriate form of help for low-paid term-time workers is through in-work support. The introduction of the working tax credit from April will improve and extend the provision of in-work support, 1138W and there are specific provisions to ensure that term-time workers' pattern of work is taken into account for the working tax credit.