§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the number and proportion of young people who on leaving the New Deal employment option then move on to unsubsidised employment. [90317]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithIn the period January 1998 to April 1999, of the 5,800 young people who have left the New Deal employer option for known destinations, 50 per cent. moved into unsubsidised employment. In addition, 2,500 left for unknown destinations. A recent independent and reliable survey showed that 43 per cent. of leavers into unknown destinations had, in fact, left the New Deal for paid employment.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans the Government have to increase the clarity of information made available to firms wanting to join the New Deal. [90192]
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§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 13 July 1999]: The main vehicle for providing information to employers wanting to join New Deal is the "New Deal for Employers" booklet. This was produced in consultation with employers in order that the information contained in it is useful and relevant and presented in a clear, user-friendly way. A telephone survey of employers showed that 95 per cent. of employers were positive about its presentation. 83 per cent. said that they found the content relevant or very relevant.
In addition to this main item of literature, the Employment Service staff, including Business Managers, pro-actively communicate with both large and small employers. This includes meetings with large groups and one-to-one discussions to explain the New Deal and provide a contact within the Employment Service to whom the employer can address any questions.
The New Deal Task Force is stimulating wider engagement in the New Deal through employer coalitions in major cities, and through contact groups of Human Resource Directors, small and medium employers, and intermediary bodies with employer customers.
The Task Force and Employment Service are working with key employers and employer organisations in major growth sectors such as hospitality, construction and retail to improve the information and enhance the engagement of employers in the New Deal in these sectors.
§ Mr. Stephen TwiggTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what help will be given to widows, widowers and carers by the recently announced New Deal 50-plus; and if he will make a statement. [93059]
Number of entries at GCE A level in mathematics, physics and chemistry and, as a percentage of all entries in each year shown in England and Wales Mathematics Physics Chemistry All entries 19701 Number of entries (000s) 64.4 41.5 30.8 441.9 Percentage of all entries 14.6 9.4 7.0 — 19801 Number of entries (000s) 86.2 52.3 45.1 589.3 Percentage of all entries 14.6 8.9 7.6 — 19922 Number of entries (000s) 69.8 38.9 39.8 704.5 Percentage of all entries 9.9 5.5 5.6 — 1998 Number of entries (000s) 67.4 32.7 40.4 760.7 Percentage of all entries 8.9 4.3 5.3 — 1 Data are not directly comparable with figures for 1992 and 1998 due to changes in data sources. 2 Figures for 1986 to 1991 were not published in this format, so are unavailable. 1992 data are therefore provided as they are comparable to 1998 data. Source:
Department for Education and Employment; National Assembly for Wales; Welsh and English Examining Boards.