§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to minimise the bureaucratic burden on private sector employers participating in New Deal programmes, with particular reference to training contracts. [52346]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithNew Deal was designed following consultation with a wide range of organisations including private sector employers. The administrative arrangements for employers participating in the New Deal are straightforward. Their obligations and the level of service they can expect from New Deal are set out in the Employer Agreement. Employers are free to make their own arrangements for securing the training the young people they recruit under New Deal are entitled to. Alternatively that training can be arranged on behalf of the employer by the Employment Service (ES). No contract with the employer, beyond the Employer Agreement, is involved in either case.
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§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what further support he will offer to New Deal trainees in support of their Gateway activities after their initial period has elapsed. [52347]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThroughout their time on New Deal young people will receive the support of a Personal Adviser. During Gateway, each young person will in addition have access to independent careers advice and specialist help to overcome the particular barriers to employment that they are facing. When a young person's difficulties are particularly serious or far-reaching or when a particular difficulty does not come to light until they have started on an option, then the young person can continue to have access to specialist Gateway services while they are on their chosen Option. The over-riding aim is to help young people into sustained employment through specialist services, counselling, advice, time on a New Deal Option, and, if necessary, further help as part of the Follow Through arrangements.