New Deal signals prosperous new year - Foulkes

27 Dec 2001

Tens of thousands of people across Scotland will celebrate the New Year in style thanks to the New Deal, Minister of State for Scotland George Foulkes said today.

Commenting on the latest New Deal figures, issued today which show that 66,000 people have found work through the New Deal, Mr Foulkes said:

"The New Deal continues to deliver jobs and opportunities in record numbers. Despite recent disappointing job losses and difficult world economic circumstances, employment and unemployment remain relatively stable in Scotland.

The figures published today show:

  • 39,100 young people have gone into work through New Deal 18-24 since April 1998;
  • 6,900 long term unemployed people have found work through New Deal 25+;
  • 13,300 lone parents are now in work through the New Deal for Lone Parents; and
  • 6,700 people aged 50 and over now have a job through the New Deal.

"The tremendous success of the New Deal has seen youth unemployment fall by 80 per cent since 1997 and long-term unemployment fall by some 65 per cent.

"This Government is determined that all those seeking employment should be given the necessary help. We will be providing tailor made help and support to those who need it most.

"From April 2002 Scotland will also benefit from a share of the Government's £40million investment in a new programme - STEPup. The new programme will provide stepping stones to work through guaranteed jobs.

"Measures such as the New Deal, STEPup and the introduction of Jobcentre Plus will ensure that everyone who finds themselves out of work will have every opportunity to get back into employment as soon as possible."

NOTES TO 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.

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.

5. StepUP pilots will start from April in six areas within Sheffield, Cardiff, Oldham, Sunderland, Lambeth and East Ayrshire. A further 14 will be launched during the course of the year in Dundee, Leeds, South Manchester, Sandwell, Bristol, Greenwich, Hackney, Great Yarmouth, Knowsley, Rotherham, Coventry, Burnley, Wrexham and Bradford.