28 Nov 2002
89,000 Scots Find Work Through New Deal
The New Deal continues to benefit Scotland by helping the long-term unemployed find jobs and providing them with support Scotland Office Minister Anne McGuire said today.
Commenting on the latest New Deal figures, issued today, which show that over 89,000 Scots have found work thanks to the New Deal since it was introduced in April 1998, Mrs McGuire said:
"The New Deal continues to deliver for the people of Scotland. In the last quarter alone it helped another 7,200 people back to work. This is good news for them and further evidence that the programme continues to meet the needs of unemployed people and employers."
The figures published today showed:
Mrs McGuire added:
"The New Deal has made a significant contribution to the dramatic fall in youth unemployment since its introduction in April 1998. There are fewer than 2,900 people in the 18-24 age group who have been out of work for more than six months. This Government is determined that the New Deal will continue to provide the help, skills, confidence and opportunities that these young people need to take that vital first step on the employment ladder."
NOTES FOR NEWS 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 is open to lone parents in receipt of Income Support. Participation in the programme is voluntary. Figures to end of March show 18,100 Lone Parents into work. The next statistical update for NDLP will be published on 5 December.
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.