New Deal still producing the goods - Foulkes

31 Jan 2002

The Government wants everyone to have employment opportunities and to be equipped to take them up Minister of State for Scotland George Foulkes said today.

Commenting on the latest New Deal figures, issued today which show that nearly 70,000 people in Scotland have found work through the New Deal, Mr Foulkes said:

"Over three years after its launch the New Deal is still making sweeping inroads into long term unemployment amongst a range of age groups. It never ceases to amaze me the real and visible difference that the New Deal makes to so many people, bringing them new hope and giving them a brighter future.

"The figures released today are impressive. In spite of difficult world economic circumstances, employment and unemployment remain relatively stable in Scotland. The figures published today show that as a result of our New Deal policy:

  • 39,800 young people have gone into work through New Deal 18-24 since April 1998;
  • 9,200 long term unemployed people have found work through New Deal 25+;
  • 7,100 people aged 50 and over now have a job through the New Deal; and
  • 13,800 lone parents are now in work through the New Deal for Lone Parents (This figure is till end October 2001)

"The tremendous success of the New Deal has seen youth unemployment fall by 71 per cent since 1997 and long-term unemployment fall by more than half. However, unemployment at any level is unacceptable and we are determined to build on this success to ensure that unemployment never again blights the future of our young people in Scotland".

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Today’s figures show that until the end of November 2001, 39,800 young Scots had found work through the New Deal. However that figure broke the 40,000 barrier during the month of December.

George Foulkes presented Wayne Shennan, ( 21 ) from Leith with a certificate to celebrate him becoming the 40,000thyoung person to get a job through the New Deal for Young People, at a ceremony at the Scotland Office in Edinburgh.

For photographs of Wayne Shennan with the Minister please contact Carol MacInnes at the employment service press office on 0141 419 0777.

2. 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.

3. New Deal 25+ helps those over 25 who have been claiming JSA for 18 months or more.

4. New Deal for Lone Parents is open to lone parents in receipt of Income Support. Participation in the programme is voluntary.

5. 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.