§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places have been filled on the New Deal for Construction programme for the latest available date. [575561]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 2 November 1998]A total figure for New Deal clients moving into jobs in construction is not yet available, because an analysis of those starting unsubsidised jobs by industrial 129W sector is not yet available; however, the number who had started subsidised jobs in construction was, by the end of August 1998, 750.
The construction industry has a relatively good vacancy to placing ratio, which suggests that young people are finding construction jobs attractive and have the skills and qualities required by the industry.
We are grateful for the positive contribution the construction industry is making to the New Deal.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what target the Government have announced for the number of places to be taken up on the New Deal for Construction programme from the date of its launch to 31 December. [57557]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 2 November 1998]The Government have announced no target but, when the Construction Industry New Deal framework was launched in February 1998, the industry expected to offer opportunities to around 3,000 young people each year.