Written question asked by Gerry Sutcliffe (Labour) on Thursday, 5 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 November 1998. It was answered by Andrew Smith (Labour) on Thursday, 19 November 1998 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, What steps he is taking to improve literacy and numeracy skills among the young unemployed. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Sutcliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to improve literacy and numeracy skills among the young unemployed. [59131] Mr. Andrew Smith: In the New Deal for 18-24 year olds young people who lack the basic skills they need to enter employment will be given help to gain those skills, and to pursue an appropriate qualification. Depending on their level of need, help can be in the form of short, intensive courses, while they are on the Gateway, full-time study through the Full-Time Education and Training option, or, for those on one of the three work-based options, study towards a qualification one day per week, or the equivalent. Sixteen and 17 year olds in Work-based Training for Young People may also receive help to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, where this will help them to achieve their vocational objective.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 59131; 319 c760W;319 c759-60W
Session: 1997-98
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Young people Unemployment Literacy New deal for young people Numeracy