18. Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about the number of unemployed people in Wales in May 1997 and May 2000. [126711]
§ Mr. HansonMy right hon. Friend regularly meets the First Secretary and discusses a wide range of issues including employment in Wales. In addition, I hold quarterly liaison meetings with the Assembly Secretary for Education and Training.
This Government's record of continuing commitment to getting people off benefits and back into work is highlighted by the fact that the number of claimants on Jobseeker's Allowance for April 2000 has been significantly reduced to 59,170 compared to 80,322 for May 1997 when this Government took office.
§ 22. Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on assistance for long-term unemployed people over the age of 25 years. [126715]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe New Deal programmes, Work Based Learning for Adults, "Employment Zones", and a range of Employment Service programmes provide training to equip workless people aged 25 and over with the skills they need to gain and hold down a job. The latest statistical information on the "New Deal for 25 Plus" indicates that, in Wales, 13,200 people had joined the programme, and 2,700 had entered employment (of which 2,300 had secured sustained jobs).
Some improvements, including the introduction of a New Deal Gateway and access to a range of external Gateway services, were put in place on the "New Deal for 25 Plus" in April. A more comprehensive package of measures will operate from April 2001, with the aim of broadening the attractiveness of the programme to clients by providing a wider range of opportunities.