Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by Nicholas Brown (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 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 proportion of entrants to New Deal for Young People were functionally illiterate in (a) its first year and (b) the latest period for which figures are available. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 26 November 2002).

Answer: Mr. Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of entrants to New Deal for Young People were functionally illiterate in (a) its first year and (b) the latest period for which figures are available. [83512] Mr. Nicholas Brown :[holding answer 26 November 2002]: We estimate that at least 32 per cent. of all unemployed people have literacy, language and/or numeracy needs, which in part prevent them from improving their employability and finding secure work. Information is not available specifically on the level of illiteracy among entrants to the New Deal for Young People. Jobcentre Plus screens around 15,000 people a week for literacy and/or numeracy needs. Clients who need help with their literacy and/or numeracy can access job focused training to ensure they are able to develop the skills they need to find and retain work. From April 2001 to January 2002, more than 4,400 young people received basic skills help in the New Deal for Young People. In the same period 10,000 began basic skills training though other programmes or voluntary New Deals.

Secondary information