New Deal (Hansard, 28 January 2002)

§ 17. Andrew Selous
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to make the new deal for young people more responsive to the needs of(a) young people and (b) employers. [28157]

§ Mr. Nicholas Brown
We are continually seeking to develop the new deal for young people to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of employers and young people.
We have already introduced a number of measures to increase the flexibility of the programme for employers and young people. For example, since June 2001 we have: introduced 'Recruit', a pilot initiative to help employers in deprived areas employ more people through the new deal's employment option; broadened training within new deal to allow training that leads to a certificate recognised by employers in their occupational areas; increased the permitted length of work experience placements for new dealers to eight weeks to enhance their employability; and revised the entry conditions for the new deal employment option, so participants can enter the option from the day they enter the programme.
We are introducing tailored pathway pilots, the first of which began on 2 January. These pilots will enable young people to use the new deal options more flexibly and move into sustained employment. New deal clients will be able to access a mix of full-time training, work experience and employment through the new deal options.
From February, employers will be given more flexibility in the training they provide for new deal clients taken on under the employment option. Employers will be able to give new deal clients their own in-house training so that they have greater freedom to deliver training that best meets their needs.

§ 19. Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps are taken to safeguard the training needs of the long-term unemployed on new deal projects when the Department terminates training contracts. [28159]

§ Mr. Nicholas Brown
The continuity of programmes for all new deal participants is of paramount importance, particularly where contracts expire or are terminated. Should termination or expiry occur, contracts contain clauses to minimise any disruption caused to participants, and to assist in the implementation of contingency plans allowing participants to complete their programme.

§ 24. Mr. Wyatt
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will extend the new deal to 14 to 18-year-olds; and if he will make a statement. [28164]

§ Mr. Nicholas Brown
We currently have no plans to extend the new deal to 14 to 18-year-olds.
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§ 34. Mr. Ben Chapman
To ask the Secretary of State for work and Pensions how many people have entered work through the new deal since May 1997 [28175]

§ Mr. Nicholas Brown
Latest results show that over 600,000 people have entered work through the new deals.