§ 30. Laura MoffattTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment his Department has made of the measures required to improve labour market access for the most disadvantaged groups; and what policies are in place to address this situation. [109161]
§ Ms JowellMy Department assesses continuously the progress of groups at a disadvantage in the labour market. All of our policies and programmes are underpinned by a clear focus on equality of opportunity.
656WImproving access for those at a disadvantage is an important element of all of our New Deals with early help for those facing particular problems. The Policy Action Team on Jobs identified a range of proposals to help people living in deprived areas and from ethnic minority backgrounds as part of the Social Exclusion Unit's work on neighbourhood renewal. Some are already being acted upon, such as the piloting of the use of intermediary organisations in New Deal.
Improving participation in learning by people from the most disadvantaged groups will be a key objective for the Learning and Skills Council. The Connexions Service, for all young people, will target intensive advice and support on those with greatest need. And our drive to improve standards in schools will also ensure that young people from disadvantaged communities are properly equipped to compete for jobs.