§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many fatalities there have been among trainees on work placement since the learning and skills councils took over responsibilities, broken down by learning and skills council in the North West. [134278]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThere has been one fatality among trainees on work placement in the North West since the Learning and Skills Council took responsibility for work based learning in April 2001. This took place in the area covered by Greater Manchester Learning and Skills Council. The Department takes the health and safety of learners very seriously and is working with the Learning and Skills Council to ensure that robust arrangements are in place. Any fatality is a matter of serious concern and we are considering what lessons can be learned to ensure that learners in the learning and skills sector are safe learners.