HC Deb 29 January 2001 vol 362 c86W
29. Mr. Jim Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what projections he has made of benefits savings as a consequence of the New Deal for 50 plus. [145988]

Angela Eagle

We are committed to the principal of extending opportunity for all to everyone regardless of age, and tackling age discrimination in the workplace. New Deal 50 plus has already helped nearly 25,000 people aged over 50 back into work.

It is known that the economic cost of the drop in work rates among the over 50s since 1979 is high. It has been estimated that about £16 billion a year in GDP is lost and it costs £3–5 billion in extra benefits and lost taxes. Savings in benefit payments from the New Deal 50 plus have not yet been established.

35. Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he has taken to evaluate the performance of the New Deal for 50 plus programme. [145996]

Angela Eagle

In the first nine months of the programme nearly 25,000 people got back into work through the New Deal 50 plus.

Evaluation of New Deal 50 plus is currently under way to test the design and delivery of the programme. This will be published later this year. The evaluation includes a mix of quantitative and qualitative work with participants as well as some qualitative research with New Deal personal advisers and Benefits Agency staff.

Evaluation of the pathfinder areas has already been carried out and a report published. Participants' initial impressions of the programme were very positive. Views about the Employment Credit, a key element of the New Deal 50 plus package, were generally very positive, and it was unanimously seen as an incentive to take up work.

Ms Dari Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with voluntary organisations about the New Deal for 50 plus. [145968]

Angela Eagle

Our New Deal for those aged over 50 has helped nearly 25,000 people move into jobs in the first nine months of national operation. The Department for Education and Employment has developed links with a number of voluntary organisations in order to promote this New Deal and to harness their experience and expertise.