asked the Minister for the Public Service if it is his intention to offer permanent employment to the young people recruited under the temporary clerical trainee scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the anxiety of those who are now likely to lose their jobs.
Written Answers. - Clerical Trainee Scheme.
77.
When the temporary clerical trainee scheme was announced in the Government White Paper "Serving the Country Better" in September 1985 there was a provision that a number of trainees would, depending on their performance during training, be given the opportunity of competing for permanent positions in the Civil Service. A competition is at present being held for appointment as clerical assistant in the Civil Service confined to temporary clerical trainees. It is expected that 100 appointments to clerical assistant posts will be made from the competition. Five posts will be reserved for disabled candidates. A circular has been issued to all the trainees with full details of this competition.
The experience gained by the trainees in the Civil Service should greatly enhance their employment prospects when their one-year contracts expire.