§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people with learning difficulties will have places in the New Deal; and if he will make a statement. [27645]
§ Mr. HainIt is not possible to give an accurate estimate of the number of people with learning difficulties who will benefit from the New Deal over the period of its implementation. All young people who are eligible, or who become so, will be offered opportunities to participate in a job, training or useful work experience.
Young people who have special needs, including those with reading, writing and numeracy problems, will be able to join the New Deal early (ie they will not have to be 158W unemployed for 6 months). They will have access to the help they need to improve their skills and employment prospects.