§ 37. Mr. FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the efficacy of the New Deal. [123372]
§ Ms JowellThe latest figures show that by the end of February 2000, 199,340 young people had gained jobs through the New Deal for Young People. These figures highlight the excellent progress we are making towards our commitment to help 250,000 young people into work through the New Deal in the lifetime of this Parliament.
Evaluation from independent organisations show that approximately 50 per cent. of those leaving unemployment through New Deal would not have done so in the absence of the programme.
Furthermore, three quarters of young people believe that the personal adviser played a pivotal role in supporting them through New Deal. This continuity and support is unlike anything seen on previous programmes.