Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Thursday, 26 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 April 2012. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 May 2012 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment Schemes: Young People

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which job centres have a policy of only referring new claimants to the Youth Contract.

Answer: The Youth Contract consists of a number of different support types, each of which has its own eligibility criteria, but all of which are available to new and existing claimants on an equal basis.Jobcentre advisers work with all young claimants to identify the best opportunity for them from the range of support that is available, helping them to be better prepared for work and have a better chance of finding and taking up sustained employment.There are elements of the Youth Contract which are targeted at young people who have been longer term unemployed, such as the wage incentive for employers, which is payable to employers hiring young people who have been out of work nine months or more. That is to give young people who are at a particular disadvantage in the labour market an extra level of support.

Secondary information