HC Deb 23 March 1999 vol 328 cc130-1W
27. Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the numbers of young people entering(a) full-time jobs and (b) further education, as a result of the new deal. [76332]

Mr. Macdonald

Figures to the end of December 1998 show that 5,700 young people had secured jobs, the vast majority of which were full-time and a further 2,549 had entered the full-time education or training option.

Mrs. Laing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people(a) entered and (b) completed the New Deal scheme in (i) 1997 and (ii) 1998. [77832]

Mr. Dewar

The New Deal programmes for young people and those aged 25 and over began in 1998. Figures to the end of December 1998 show that 22,700 young people and 6,900 people aged 25 and over entered the programmes.

By the end of December 1998, 8,500 young people and 1,200 people aged 25 and over had left the New Deal programme, 44 per cent. of whom had moved into jobs.

Mrs. Laing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people have obtained full-time employment as a result of the New Deal scheme. [77833]

Mr. Dewar

Figures to the end of December 1998 show that 5,700 young people and 470 long-term unemployed people aged 25 and over had secured jobs, the vast majority of which were full-time.