15/98
5 February 1998
"THE NEW DEAL IS WORKING ACROSS BRITAIN" - ALISTAIR DARLING TO VISIT PATHFINDER IN DUNDEE
"The New Deal is working - providing new hope and new opportunities for thousands of young people across the country. Giving them the new skills and support they need," said Chief Secretary Alistair Darling tonight.
Commenting ahead of a visit to Levi Strauss in Dundee tomorrow, as part of the Government's drive to implement its Welfare to Work programme, he pointed to the evidence of the early success of the New Deal:
"Almost 5000 young people have already signed up for the New Deal across the country - 400 in Tayside alone. Almost 2000 interviews with employers have already been set up. The Government has provided new opportunities for young people where there were none before. The opportunities are there, everyone has a responsibility to take them. There is no justification for refusing to take part.
"We are investing in young people and the skills and experience they need to have for the future. We are determined to provide opportunities for work and to make work pay.
"Everyone connected with this scheme has so far responded with enthusiasm - especially young people eager to take up these new chances, who have everything to gain.
"In nine short months the Government has begun to deliver its priorities. Constitutional change. Modernising the Welfare State. Investment in Education and Health of 4 billion Pounds. And the New Deal for the young extending to the long term unemployed in June."
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. One month into the New Deal and the Employment Service in Tayside has signed up 180 employers, including the three largest companies in Dundee and five of the largest companies in Perth. A further 70 companies have expressed interest and the Employment Service hopes to approach nearly nine thousand companies in the area by May.
2. The New Deal initiative for 18-24 year olds is the first major element of the Government's Welfare to Work programme.
3. Further details of the Chief Secretary's visit to Dundee can be obtained from Steve Bird, HM Treasury, tel 0207-270 5243, or Liz Seale, the Scottish Employment Service, tel 0131 244 2530.