§ 31. Mr. HealeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the New Deal Gateway. [88997]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithAs part of the continuous improvement of New Deal we are currently in the final stages of planning for trailblazer products which will develop and test a number of different approaches in making achievement more intensive for young people in the Gateway. These are due to be launched later this summer. Additional measures are also being introduced across the country this month to make the fourth month of Gateway more effective in managing the transition of individuals between the Gateway and jobs or New Deal options.
The New Deal carries with it obligations for young people to make use of the support offered. That is why we recently announced our intention to strengthen the sanctions against young people who fail to co-operate in moving from Gateway to suitable options.