Written question asked by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 17 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 July 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Monday, 1 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, What assessment his Department has made of the effect the New Deal has had on youth unemployment. (Failed OPQ). (Incorrect member answering in daily part).

Answer: Phil Hope: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department has made of the effect the new deal has had on youth unemployment. [63399] Mr. Andrew Smith: In the years since May 1997 youth unemployment has fallen by more than 40 per cent., and long-term six month plus youth unemployment has been cut by three quarters. These figures are the lowest levels for more than a generation. The new deal for young people has played an important part in this success. Up to March 2002 the programme had helped over 360,000 young people off benefit and into work. Independent research has found that, without the new deal, long-term youth unemployment would have been about twice as high. In my hon. Friend's constituency, nearly 400 young people have moved into jobs through the new deal. We are continually learning from and improving the new deal, for example: Piloting more flexible use of the options; Tailoring programmes to help get young people off drugs; Piloting StepUP where we ensure there is work to go to for all long-term young unemployed; Improving outreach work with ethnic minorities; Launching the Ambition programmes linking with employers in construction, retail, energy and IT sectors.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 388 c81W; 63399
Session: 2001-02
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Employment schemes Young people Unemployment New deal for young people
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk