§ Mr. RooneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what funding will be allocated to the New Deal hotline; and how many operators there will be in each standard region. [25565]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 26 January 1998]: The New Deal hotline, 0800 163 339, which is the point of contact for participants, employers and providers already involved in New Deal, is an important element in ensuring a quality service to New Deal clients. It will be open between 8am and 6pm and we have initially trained two people per region. We are closely monitoring the demand for the hotline from Pathfinder areas and will adjust the staffing levels accordingly in advance of the national start of the New Deal in April. During the first month approximately 30 calls were received.
There is, in addition, a New Deal information line, 0845 606 2626 which is the main inquiry point for members of the public, employers and providers who would like more details about New Deal. This line is open 24 hours a day and is presently handling 490 calls per week.