§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his estimate is of the number of jobs that have been created(a)under the Government's New Deal and (b)through local authority partnerships in the London boroughs of (i) Lambeth, (ii) Southwark and (iii) Lewisham; and if he will make a statement. [44718]
§ Mr. Nicholas Brown[holding answer 21 March 2002]:The New Deals are not job creation programmes. They work closely with employers to ensure that New Deal participants are provided with the tailored help and support they need to be able to fill existing vacancies and meet the skills shortages faced by employers. The New Deals have already helped over 600,000 people move into work.
We have a good working relationship with Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham councils, all of whom have signed up as New Deal employers. In April we will also be introducing a StepUP pilot in the Lambeth area, which will provide a stepping stone for long-term unemployed people moving from benefits into work.