Status Prior to Enrolment

The PSM guidance is a bit vague and perhaps the most relevant words are to 'use your judgement'. I've put some of the key points in bold:

"Data about a learner’s employment status is collected in the ILR to demonstrate how the FE sector is contributing to improving the employability of the learners. This data is also used to monitor funding eligibility and so care must be taken to ensure that employment status records are completed accurately.

...

Data about a learner’s employment status prior to enrolment must be collected in all cases when a learner first enrols with a provider. There is no defined time period for “prior to enrolment”, unless defined by the learner’s programme. If there is any doubt as to what should be recorded, you are expected to use your judgement based on the individual learner’s circumstances."

An example is given that may apply in your circumstance?

"If a learner is employed and has been on holiday or otherwise temporarily away from a job prior to starting a learning aim, they should be classed as being ‘In paid employment’."

I've always assumed what they really want to know is whether the programme has helped someone gain (or remain in) a job. I don't think the PSM section on Apprenticeships really changes the above other than it sounds like there was a change of employer to identify so you would need two records?

Thank you so much for your response.  I did also contact the helpdesk and was told to enter her as unemployed.  I do where possible try to make my own judgement but very often question myself.

"I do where possible try to make my own judgement but very often question myself."

Definitely not alone in that!