Vol. 414 No. 10
21 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Labour if he intends to undertake any review of the wages and conditions of those employed on social employment Teamwork schemes in view of the huge gap between the average industrial wage and the wages paid to scheme workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The social employment scheme is a part time work scheme usually involving 20 hours participation in a week for participants. As such, comparison between the rates paid to participants on the scheme and the average industrial wage paid in respect of a full time job is not appropriate.
The rates payable to participants on the social employment scheme were increased last July. The current rate of payment is £72 per week for a participant without dependants. An adult dependant payment of £31.50 per week is also payable, where applicable, together with a payment of up to £12 per week per child.
In the case of Teamwork, which is directed at young people on the live register, the payment to participants, currently £63 per week, is not related to the average industrial wage.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the payment rates on the social employment scheme and Teamwork are kept under review in the context of the resources made available for the schemes.
