HC Deb 30 June 1998 vol 315 c148W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps will be taken to ensure that employers engaged in the New Deal adhere to the standards set under the terms of their employer agreement; and what action will be taken against those firms who are found to be exploiting New Deal recruits. [47755]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The employer is given a copy of the Employment Agreement once it has been signed and prior to the New Deal participant starting on the option. This sets out the full terms and conditions of the Employment Option. A copy is also issued to the New Deal employee at the time they start on the Employment Option.

The personal adviser will remain in contact with both the employer and the employee throughout the option and will take up any concerns that arise with the employer. A confidential New Deal Information Line has also been set up for participants who have concerns about any aspect of New Deal.

If an employer fails to meet the terms and conditions of the agreement, the Employment Service (ES) following discussion with the employer, may terminate the agreement and recover payments already made. Employers suspected of being in breach of existing legislation or statutory duties will also be reported by the ES to the appropriate authorities for action. An employer whose agreement is terminated will not be allowed to participate again in New Deal until they are able to satisfy the ES that they will be able to fulfil the terms and conditions applicable at the time.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many(a) voluntary and (b) public organisations have currently signed up to the New Deal in (i) Coventry, (ii) the West Midlands and (iii) England. [47756]

Mr. Andrew Smith

In the West Midlands 24 voluntary organisations and 34 public sector companies have signed Employer Agreements to date. Of these, two of the voluntary organisations and four of the public sector companies are based in Coventry. In England, over 10,500 employers have signed Employer Agreements. A breakdown of this number into private sector, voluntary and public sector organisations is available only at local level.