§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what representations he has received about the future of the careers service in Essex; and if he will make a statement. [163650]
§ Margaret HodgeMy Department has received four representations about the future of the careers service in Essex—part of Essex Careers Business Partnership (ECBP). Concerns were raised regarding a short fall in the ECBP pension fund and how the future service provided to young people in that locality would be affected.
Pension liabilities, how they are funded and what pension entitlements staff are legally entitled to, are matters for the directors of ECBP and the trustees of the pension scheme. The Department cannot take on the liabilities of private organisations. The Department's primary concern is to maintain continuity of service to young people in England.