HC Deb 15 October 2002 vol 390 cc640-1W
Mrs. Irene Adams

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many unemployed 16 to 18-year-olds are registered in Paisley, North; and if he will list the actions being taken to assist them into employment. [73667]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

In August, there were 134 sixteen to eighteen-year-olds claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in the Paisley, North constituency, nearly 30 per cent. fewer than in the same month in 1997.

16 and 17-year-olds making a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance in Paisley, North are required to register with Careers Scotland and participate in a learning focused meeting with a Careers Adviser. Jobcentre Plus works in partnership with Careers Scotland by actively promoting the education, training and employment services Careers Scotland offers to young people.

18 year-olds making a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance are required to register with Jobcentre Plus and participate in a work-focused interview with a Personal Adviser. They will have access to the range of support provided through Jobcentre Plus to help them move into work.

We are building on the success of the New Deals in helping nearly three-quarters of a million people move from welfare to work. We are providing more help for those who face the greatest barriers to work, providing more individually-tailored support, and engaging further with employers to ensure their needs are met. We are giving young people the skills, confidence and motivation to help them find work and improve their prospects of doing so.