§ Mr. RoweTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people claiming unemployment benefit are not eligible for inclusion in the New Deal. [29293]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithThe New Deal for young people covers those aged 18–24 who have been claiming JSA for more than six months. In January 1998 there were 375,000 18–24 year olds claiming JSA, of which about 120,000 had been unemployed for more than six months. The New Deal for people aged over 25 covers those who have been unemployed for more than two years. In January 1998 there were 1.1 million people aged over 25 who were claiming JSA, of which 216,000 had been unemployed for more than two years.
The New Deals will continue throughout this Parliament, so they will help more than just the current stocks in the relevant durations. All 18–24 year olds who have been on JSA for less than six months and those aged over 25 who have been on JSA for less than two years will be eligible for the New Deal if they remain on JSA and flow through the relevant threshold. Currently between 15,000 and 20,000 18–24-year-olds pass the six months threshold each month and 5,000 to 10,000 people aged over 25 pass the two year threshold. Over the whole of the Parliament the New Deals will help several times the number in the current stock.
There will also be New Deals for lone parents and for those on long-term sickness and disability benefits. These aim to provide help to individuals currently on non-labour market benefits who want to return to work.