New Deal makes real inroads to youth unemployment

25 Jan 2001

Over 30,000 young Scots have now made the transition from welfare into work thanks to the New Deal, Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said today.

Commenting on the latest New Deal figures released today, Ms Liddell said:

"The New Deal is continuing to prove itself as a vital way to beat the scourge of unemployment and equip young people with the skills and confidence they need to get a job. Over 30,000 young people in Scotland have found work since the programme was launched in April 1998".

  • A further 1,200 unemployed 18-24 year olds found jobs through the New Deal in November
  • Over 5,000 people aged 25 and over, who had been detached from the labour market for at least 2 years, have found work since June 1998
  • Nearly 7,000 Lone Parents have moved into jobs in just over 2 years

"These figures are further good news for thousands of young people in Scotland who have found work through the New Deal. They show that the New Deal is making a difference where it matters: giving young people across Scotland a fresh start and real prospects for the future.

"There is still more to be done. Despite a record number of Scots in work, pockets of persistently high unemployment continue to blight individuals and communities. People in those areas are more likely to face frequent periods of unemployment or find themselves in low wage, low skilled jobs with little prospect of progression. The New Deal will work alongside initiatives like the Glasgow Employment Zone and Action Teams to ensure that people living in these areas are able to benefit from the progress being made in tackling unemployment.

"We are determined to continue in our efforts to give as many people as possible the chance to work and to enjoy the renewed optimism and self confidence that comes from work. The New Deal is playing a vital role in achieving that goal."

NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

  1. The New Deal for Young People helps those ages 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 2 years or more.

3. New Deal for Lone Parents is a voluntary programme open to lone parents in receipt of Income Support.