Long-term Unemployed (Hansard, 25 October 1999)

§ Mr. McFall

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its Chief Executive, Mr. Ian Walters. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Ian Walters to Mr. Eddie Grady, dated 21 October 1999: The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency to reply to your question about help for the long term unemployed in Northern Ireland. The number of long term unemployed people (i.e., those who have been unemployed for one year or more) who are claiming Jobseekers Allowance in Northern Ireland has declined substantially in recent years. In September 1999 there were 24000 long term unemployed claimants which is 3000 less than 1 year earlier and 13000 lower than 3 years ago. It is against this background that New Deal, which is by far the largest programme for helping the long term unemployed back into work in Northern Ireland, is being delivered. Up to £200 million is available for New Deal in Northern Ireland over the lifetime of this Parliament. The New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds and the New Deal for the over 25s are specifically designed to assist the long term unemployed. The New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds, introduced in April 1998, offers young people who have been unemployed for 6 months or more a tailored programme to improve their employability and enhance their chances of getting a job. Northern Ireland is one of 29 areas throughout the United Kingdom currently piloting enhanced provision for those aged 25 and over who have been unemployed for 18 months or more. This pilot New Deal was introduced throughout Northern Ireland in November 1998. Between April 1998 and September 1999, 4874 young people found work through New Deal for 18-24 year olds. In addition, 1980 adults have found work following their participation in New Deal for the over 25s. Many others are improving their prospects for employment by participating in the other available options. The Work rack programme was introduced at the beginning of August 1999 to complement New Deal. Worktrack is the replacement programme for ACE and is targeted at long term unemployed adults who are ineligible for New Deal assistance. It will provide 1050 high quality temporary employment opportunities with training during the financial year 1999/00 and 2100 opportunities in 2000/01. Worktrack aims to prepare participants for sustainable employment at the earliest opportunity. New Deal has had a very positive impact in helping to tackle the problem of long term unemployment in Northern Ireland. However, we are not complacent and the Training and Employment Agency will continue to play its part by considering what other measures and interventions would help long term unemployed people back into employment. I hope you find this reply helpful.