§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the impact of the New Deal on the number of unemployed young people. [77829]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithSince New Deal Pathfinders were introduced in January 1998, unemployment amongst the636W eligible group has fallen by 35 per cent. compared with a fall of 4 per cent. for those not eligible.
The youth labour market is very dynamic and so some people would have left the claimant count without the help provided by New Deal. Nevertheless, initial evidence comparing Pathfinder with non-Pathfinder areas suggests that the New Deal has increased the flows of young people out of unemployment and the flow into jobs. The impact of New Deal is being addressed through a comprehensive evaluation programme. All final reports from the evaluation will be published and copies placed in the Library.
637W
Unemployed claimants (UK), nsa, 000s) Aged 18–24 over 6 months up to 6 months All aged 25 and over January 1998 118.5 256.8 1,088.5 January 1999 77 250.9 1,043.0 Change –41.5 –5.9 –45.5 % change –35% –2% –4%