HC Deb 30 March 1999 vol 328 cc638-40W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what will be the criteria for inclusion in the extension of the new deal to those aged over 50 years. [78925]

Mr. Andrew Smith

The new initiative will be open to people aged over 50, out of work for six months or more and on income replacement benefits including Jobseekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit, and their dependant partners. We intend to consult on the precise eligibility criteria and I will be writing to a number of individuals and organisations shortly.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when the extension of the new deal to those aged over 50 years, announced in the Budget, will be implemented. [78926]

Mr. Andrew Smith

We will begin to introduce this new initiative from October 1999 in pathfinder areas with full national implementation in early 2000. Details of the pathfinder areas will be announced by early summer.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate he has made of the number of people over the age of 50 years in the Greater London area who have benefited from the New Deal; and if he will make a statement. [78536]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Responsibility for the subject of this question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Peter Collis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 30 March 1999: As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked Leigh Lewis to reply to your question about the number of people over the age of 50 years who have benefited from New Deal in the Greater London area. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Mr. Lewis as Chief Executive of the Agency. I am replying in his absence. The Government Statistical Service figures to the end of January show that 5,032 people over the age of 50 have started the New Deal in Greater London. You may be aware that in November last year the Employment Service launched 28 New Deal pilots for people over the age of 25. Four of these pilots are based in Greater London and aim to look at innovative ways to help long term unemployed people over the age of 25 back into the labour market. You will, of course, also be aware that the Chancellor recently announced a further package of help for people over the age of 50 who have been unemployed for more than six months. This includes a cash employment credit for people entering employment, as well as personal adviser and job search support and a training subsidy. I hope this is helpful