§ Mr. DobbinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have been employed to date by local councils through the New Deal initiatives for(a) young people, (b) people aged over 50 years, (c) disabled people and (d) lone parents. [117081]
§ Ms JowellWe do not hold figures which show separately how many people from the New Deal have been employed by local councils.
However, independent research by the Local Government National Training Organisation has shown that local councils are fully involved in all aspects of New Deal. This research suggests that over 3,500 young people have taken part on New Deal Options including over 900 on the Employer Option. In addition there is evidence to show that local council are employing people under the New Deals for the Disabled, for Lone Parents and for 50+. We continue to work closely with Local Authority Associations and the New Deal Task Force to encourage local council take up of New Deal. The Local Authority Associations themselves are actively promoting the take up of New Deal among their members.