Young Unemployed Deaf People (Hansard, 30 January 1998)

§ Mr. Alan Howarth

Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Tom Levitt, dated 30 January 1998: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about young unemployed deaf people and New Deal. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Employment Service Chief Executive. In response to your question about deaf awareness training for New Deal Personal Advisors, I can confirm that all of our Personal Advisers have received, or will receive, equal opportunities awareness training in order that they are fully aware of the barriers facing people trying to find work including those people with disabilities. The training includes ensuring that Advisers know that there is a range of services available to help young deaf people so that they can draw on the appropriate resource depending on an individual's circumstances. Apart from practical help of this nature all young deaf people, in common with all young people with other disabilities, may be eligible for early entry to the New Deal Programme. You also asked about the measures we will employ to bring information about the New Deal to the attention of young unemployed deaf people. They, along with all young people with disabilities, will be advised by our existing Disability Employment Advisers about the help available to them from the Employment Service and its partners. This will include information on the New Deal and the type of provision available to meet their needs. All of our Disability Employment Advisers receive specific training on deafness. I hope this is helpful.