Written question asked by Lord Harrison (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sassoon (Conservative) on Monday, 5 December 2011.

Unemployment: Under 25s

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what consideration has been given to extending the national insurance contributions holiday to existing businesses who employ a person aged 18–24.

Answer: On 25 November, the Government announced an ambitious programme for tackling youth unemployment. Starting in 2012, the youth contract will deliver: an additional 250,000 work experience or sector based work academy places for every unemployed 18-24 year-old; more Jobcentre Plus support for 18-24 year-olds, including extra adviser time and a careers interview from the National Careers Service and weekly, rather than fortnightly, signing; a total of 160,000 wage incentive places (at £2,275 each) to make it easier for employers to take on young people; additional funding to support the growth of 16-24 apprenticeships, ensuring the funding for at least 40,000 incentive payments (at £1,500 each) for employers next year to raise demand for 16-24 apprenticeships; and a new £50 million a year programme for those 16 and 17 year-olds not in employment, education or training to get them learning, on an apprenticeship or in a job with training.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 13589; 733 c137-8WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Business Employment National insurance contributions Young people Tax allowances
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk