HC Deb 23 November 2000 vol 357 cc300-1W
22. Mrs. Mahon

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he is taking to address training needs in areas of high disadvantage and low employment. [138383]

Ms Jowell

By helping unemployed people gain the skills and experience they need to find work, the Government's welfare-to-work programmes are playing a crucial role in helping disadvantaged areas. Training is available for those who need it through the New Deals and, for those aged 25 and over, through work-based learning for adults. In the most deprived areas of the country, Action Teams for Jobs are providing additional funds and additional effort to help connect people without work with the employers with jobs to offer.

From next year, local Learning and Skills Councils will play an active role in building the skills of people living in deprived neighbourhoods, and in promoting equality and social inclusion.

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