26 Jan 2006
The New Deal continues to be one of the best ways to lift people out of poverty, raise incomes and combat social exclusion Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said today.
Commenting on the publication of the latest New Deal figures, Mr Cairns said:
"In Scotland we are determined to do more to tackle the barriers suffered by long term unemployed people in getting back to work. The New Deal offers people both the opportunity and the security they need to help them succeed in what can be a challenging and sometimes daunting transition back into work. "
Today's figures show that the New Deal has helped over 169,000 people in Scotland into jobs:
? 75,400 young people have found jobs through New Deal for young people;
? 28,390 people aged 25 and over have also found jobs;
? over 7,000 people aged 50 and over have re-joined the labour market since April 2003;
? over 46,500 lone parents have found work.
In addition:
? over 11,800 jobs have been gained through the New Deal for Disabled people; and
? 400 people have gained a job through the New Deal for Partners.
"The New Deal is making a real impact where it matters," Mr Cairns added. "We are determined not to stand still and we are continually looking to build on the success of the New Deal to ensure that jobseekers have the skills, experience and opportunity to return to work as quickly as possible.
"The Government's latest proposals for benefit reform build on the successes of Welfare to Work. The Green Paper published earlier this week recognises that the system needs radical reform to break the cycle of benefit dependency.
"We have made great strides in tackling long term unemployment, but this paper sets out a new direction aimed at allowing individuals to fulfil their potential, rather than being written off by incapacity benefit."
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.
5. New Deal for Partners is a voluntary programme offering the partners of people claiming benefits support in tackling barriers to work.
6. DWP published on 24 January the Green Paper 'A New Deal for Welfare: Empowering People to Work' proposing a number of welfare reform strategies.