Written question asked by Ian Bruce (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000 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, How many 18 to 22 year olds (a) have been unemployed for over six months, (b) are on New Deal and (c) are on follow through; and how many had been unemployed for over six months when New Deal came into force on a national basis. (Failed OPQ). - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Ian Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 22-year-olds (a) have been unemployed for over six months, (b) are on new deal and (c) are on follow through; and how many had been unemployed for over six months when new deal came into force on a national basis. [138387] Ms Jowell: The New Deal for young unemployed people applies to those aged 18-24. New Deal starts with an initial Gateway phase when an individual reaches six months unemployment. Latest figures show that in October 2000 there were 36,500 18 to 24-year-olds who had been claimant unemployed for six months or more. When the New Deal came into force nationally, in April 1998, there were 119,369 18 to 24-year-olds unemployed for six months or more. Latest figures show that, at the end of August 2000, there were 115,300 young people on the New Deal. Of these 81,100 were claiming JSA--59,600 who were on the Gateway, and 21,500 who were in the follow through stage.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c301W; 138387
Session: 1999-00
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Employment schemes Young people Unemployment New deal for young people
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk