asked the Minister for Labour if, following his announcement of the Christmas bonus allowance for the long term unemployed on training courses, he is prepared to extend the same facility for participants on the social employment and Teamwork schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Christmas Bonus.
55.
Persons on training courses continue to be paid the same amount as they would have recieved had they remained on social welfare. SES and Teamwork participants are paid a wage which is usually greater than their previous welfare entitlements. For example, single persons on these schemes receive £60 per week; on unemployment assistance they would receive a maximum of £37.80 per week. Furthermore, persons on the SES are employed part-time and many work elsewhere during their time off. In these circumstances the question of a Christmas bonus does not arise.