Written question asked by Bob Blizzard (Labour) on Monday, 19 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 April 2001. It was answered by Baroness Jowell (Labour) on Thursday, 5 April 2001 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, if he will make a statement on the role of the local New Deal Strategy Group in determining whether direct displacement of existing employees has taken place in firms participating in the New Deal; what sanctions exist against a company which has contravened the rules of the New Deal relating to the direct displacement of existing employees.

Answer: Mr. Blizzard: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if he will make a statement on the role of the local New Deal Strategy Group in determining whether direct displacement of existing employees has taken place in firms participating in the New Deal; [155062] (2) what sanctions exist against a company which has contravened the rules of the New Deal relating to the direct displacement of existing employees. [155053] Ms Jowell: When an employer signs up to New Deal they sign an employer agreement which states they have not made anyone redundant or displaced to create the vacancy. The agreement is usually signed on behalf of the Employment Service by the local Business Manager who initiates action if an employer is found to have contravened the agreement. If this proves to be the case, the Employment service would refuse to service any further vacancies for that employer. The New Deal Strategic Partnership would not normally be involved in issues to do with the displacement of existing employees by New Deal participants. Their role includes producing local strategic plans, monitoring delivery and harnessing local support for New Deal.

Secondary information