§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. John Prescott)With the Prime Minister's agreement, I have asked the Social Exclusion Unit to take on two new projects.
83WSIn the first, the Unit will work with other Government Departments to look at what more might be done to help people in the most deprived areas in England move into jobs.
The Unit will consider whether existing policies are being delivered as effectively as possible in these areas. They will look in particular at whether more might be done to promote two ways of entering work: leaving the informal economy for legitimate jobs and businesses; and moving into self-employment and enterprise.
I have also asked the Unit to work with other Government Departments to consider what more can be done to reduce social exclusion among adults with mental health problems.
The Unit will look at how to improve rates of employment for adults with mental health problems, through support both in taking up and in retaining work. The Unit will also consider how to promote greater social participation and better access to services for this group.
I have asked that the Unit report to Ministers on these two new topics early next year.