Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 31 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 November 2006. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 November 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Vocational Training

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will take steps to ensure that young people injured on practical vocational training within educational establishments are reported as trainees and not as members of the public; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Specified major injuries arising from work activities suffered by people who are not employees, including young people undertaking practical vocational training within educational establishments, are reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995. The Learning and Skills Council places a contractual obligation on colleges and other providers who have the primary "duty of care" for the health and safety of learners that this duty is fully met, as defined by the Health and Safety (Training for Employment) Regulations 1990. The Government have no plans to change the legal status of young people on practical vocational training within educational establishments from members of the public to trainees.

Secondary information