This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Henry McLeish welcomes New Deal jobs and training boost for long term unemployed
27/04/2000
The New Deal in Scotland is continuing to improve the quality of life for thousands of Scots by helping them secure job opportunities and access to education and training, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish said today.
Mr McLeish's comments followed the publication of figures by the Scottish Executive showing a further 950 young people found work through the New Deal during February.
Commenting on these figures, Mr McLeish said:
"The New Deal in Scotland is working and the figures published every month prove it.
"Since the launch of the New Deal Programme in April 1998, 48,400, young people in Scotland have joined and by the end of February this year, almost 23,000 had secured jobs.
"Earlier this month we extended the scope of the programme by launching New Deal 50+.
"This is the first major national initiative aimed at helping older people back to work.
"The Scottish Executive recognises that older people have a real contribution to make to our economy.
"The New Deal 50+ programme is designed to give them practical help by building on the experience and skills they already have.
"We also launched the new Employment Zone in Glasgow earlier this month. In areas of persistent high unemployment like Glasgow, people without jobs often face serious barriers to securing employment.
"This programme will deliver innovative solutions to unemployment for the 25+ age group and will offer more flexible options to get them back in touch with the labour market."
"In today's fast-moving knowledge-based economy, those seeking work need skills which can keep pace with changes in the jobs market.
"The New Deal is equipping more unemployed Scots every month with the skills they need to play a full part in our future economic development.
BACKGROUND
1. The New Deal for Young People helps those aged 18-24 who have been claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) for six months or more. Special needs groups can enter the programme early if they wish.
2. The New Deal 25+ programme helps those aged 25 and over who have been claiming JSA for two years or more. During February, a further 200 people aged 25 and over who had been unemployed for two years or more, took up jobs. The February figure takes the cumulative total finding work under the programme to 3,190.