This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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New Deal jobs haul reaches 8,500
27/05/1999
The total number of people securing jobs through the Government's New Deal initiatives for the unemployed reached the 8,500 mark at the end of March.
Figures published today by The Scottish Office show that a total of 7,610 young people had found sustained work through the New Deal for 18-24 year olds and a further 880 had moved into jobs through the New Deal for those aged 25 and over.
Welcoming the latest figures, Scottish Office Business and Industry Minister Lord Macdonald said:
"I am delighted to see that the New Deal for 18-24 year-olds continues to deliver results by providing the quality opportunities which will enable our young people to restart or begin their working lives. By the end of March, more than 28,300 had joined the programme. It is also encouraging to note that the New Deal for 25 year olds and over is making steady progress by helping 10,800 people who have been unemployed for at least two years to find their way back into the labour market.
"This is both important and encouraging news, not only for the individuals concerned, but also for Scotland's business sector. But the story does not end there because New Deal for 18-24s is an individually centred programme, tailored to the differing needs of unemployed young people. As well as those who have jobs, a further 7,140 young people have taken up work experience or full-time education opportunities under the programme.
"These New Deal placements are specifically designed to improve the employability and skills of unemployed young people enabling them to take advantage of the many opportunities which exist in the Scottish economy."
BACKGROUND
1. The New Deal for young people helps those aged 18-24 who have been claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for six months or more. New Deal for 25+ helps those aged 25 and over who have been claiming JSA for two years or more.
2. At the end of April the number of vacancies reported to job centres alone in Scotland stood at 26,600.
News Release: 1090/99
27 May 1999