15 Jun 2005
The New Deal continues to deliver jobs and opportunities in record numbers, Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said today.
Commenting on figures showing that over 144,000 people in Scotland have found work through the New Deal, David Cairns said:
"The New Deal is making an enormous contribution to the dramatic reduction in long term unemployment across the generations. More Scots are moving from welfare back into work, with over 66,000 young Scots having found jobs since the programme was launched in 1998.
Since the introduction of New Deal:
? 66,910 young people have found jobs through New Deal for young people;
? over 25,000 people aged 25 and over have also found jobs;
1 5,550 people aged 50 and over have re-joined the labour market since April 2003;
2 over 36,000 lone parents have found work; and
3 9,980 jobs have been gained through the New Deal for Disabled people.
"These figures are very impressive. The evidence shows that a combination of economic stability and the help provided through Jobcentre Plus and the New Deal has played a key role in delivering the labour market success story we see in Scotland today. Nothing can justify the waste and unfairness of unemployment. The Government is determined to continue to build on the success of the New Deal to ensure that every unemployed person in Scotland can take advantage of the unprecedented number of jobs being created by our stable and successful economy."
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. The New Deal for Young People helps those aged 18-24 who have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance for 6 months or more. Special needs groups can enter New Deal earlier if they wish.
2. New Deal 25+ helps those over 25 who have been claiming JSA for 18 months or more.
3. New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) is open to lone parents in receipt of Income Support. Participation in the programme is voluntary.
4. New Deal 50plus is designed to help older people who are looking for practical help and support to move from benefit dependency into employment. It is a voluntary programme.