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2 Nov 2004 : Column 247W—continued
Job Search (Assistance)
Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what provision is made at Job Centres for people who have (a) poor literacy standards and (b) no information technology skills with respect to helping them find jobs; and if he will make a statement. [195503]
Jane Kennedy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Laurence Robertson, dated 2 November 2004:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the provision made at job centres for people who have poor literacy standards and no information technology skills with respect to helping them find jobs.
In April 2001 Jobcentre Plus introduced its strategy for identifying customers with literacy, numeracy and language needs and a suite of provision to help improve those skills. This involved Jobcentre Plus screening all jobseekers for literacy, numeracy and language needs at or before their six-month interview. Those identified with a potential need are offered referral to an independent contractor to assess their current skill levels and identify the most appropriate provision to help meet their needs.
For those assessed as requiring a small amount of assistance to improve their skills Jobcentre Plus offers a Short Intensive Basic Skills course. This course lasts for up to eight weeks, incorporates job search activities and aims to help participants achieve the National test at level 1.
For customers assessed as requiring more in-depth help to improve their skills, Basic Employability Training for customers aged 25 and over, and Full Time Education and Training for 18 to 24 year olds offer up to 26 weeks learning in a work context tailored to individual need. These programmes can be extended for up to 52 weeks for participants requiring more help and both aim to improve skills by at least one level and offer work placements and job search activities.
For those customers with an identified need for training in Information Technology, and who are eligible for Work Based Learning for Adults, New Deal for Young People (NDYP) or New Deal for Adults aged 25 and over (ND25 plus), appropriate training can be provided through these programmes to enable participants to be able to compete more effectively in the labour market. The training that is offered will differ according to the needs of each customer and is dependent on what is available in their local area.
Medical Referrals
Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in how many cases the staff in his Department have referred to a medical practitioner to establish whether a claimant lacked the capacity to manage his or her benefits in the last year for which figures are available. [195230]
Mr. Pond: The information is not available.
The Department does not normally require a report by a qualified medical officer before granting an appointeeship. A visiting officer, experienced in appointee work, will make an independent assessment of a customer's ability to manage his or her own affairs based on Department guidelines. In cases where there is doubt the opinion of a suitably qualified professional may be sought, for example, a social worker, community psychiatric nurse or general practitioner.
Special Advisers
Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many unpaid special advisers the Department has; what their names are; and which Government (a) bodies, (b) committees and (c) strategy groups each unpaid adviser (i) belongs to, (ii) advises and (iii) works alongside. [194082]
Alan Johnson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Ruth Kelly) on 28 October 2004, volume 425, column 1380W.
Special advisors, whether paid or unpaid, are employed under the terms and conditions set out in the Model Contract for Special Advisers. Unpaid advisors are appointed in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 51 of the Ministerial Code.