This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
New Deal delivering jobs throughout Scotland
30/07/1998
Within just seven weeks of going live across Scotland almost 800 young people had secured jobs through the New Deal. One of the most recent examples of New Deal success are two young local women who have landed jobs on the island of Eigg.
Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar said this was, "proof that the New Deal was not just about helping people in the Central Belt but throughout the length and breadth of Scotland."
Mr Dewar's comments came as the latest monthly figures showing the number of young people participating in New Deal were published today. He said:
"I am delighted to learn that Grace Ferguson and Tasha Fife, both local young women aged 20 and previously unemployed, have been able to find jobs with the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, thus enabling them to remain on the island.
"Grace is an example of someone who joined the programme early and found that the New Deal has been able to deliver. Both will be employed in the island's new multi-purpose building, Anlaimhrit, situated on the pier, which will provide a valuable service to both islanders and tourists alike, and each will receive training towards an accredited qualification.
"The New Deal for young unemployed people is one of our key policies and we intend to keep the public fully informed as it develops. The figures released today, which relate to May, cover the Tayside Pathfinder from 5 January and seven weeks of live national operation. The figures continue to indicate that around a fifth of those entering the programme exercised their discretion to seek and achieve early entry - which is a good indication that young people believe that New Deal can and will make a difference to their lives."
BACKGROUND
1. A Government Statistical Service news release ( 1516/98) issued today giving a detailed breakdown on the progress of New Deal participants in the initiative.
2. The New Deal for young, long-term unemployed people is the first major element of the Government's Welfare to Work programme. It will be funded from the windfall levy on the profits of the privatised utilities.
5. The New Deal for young people will help all those aged 18-24 who have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for six months or more, although some priority groups can gain earlier access.
News Release: 1527/98
July 30, 1998