HC Deb 08 February 2001 vol 362 cc691-2W
28. Laura Moffatt

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in developing a national New Deal for Disabled People. [147935]

32. Ms Ryan

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made in developing a national New Deal for Disabled People. [147939]

Ms Hodge

The New Deal for Disabled People is being extended nationally. Building on the lessons of the pilot phase, the extension will see the creation of a network of job brokers who will work closely with both employers and clients to match vacancies against the skills and potential of individuals. An invitation to tender was issued on 27 November and the evaluation of bids from organisations wishing to become job brokers is due to commence shortly. Announcement of successful bidders is planned for early April with the service due to get under way from July 2001.