17 November 2004 - Eleven areas to experience New Deal evolution
The next step in the evolution of the New Deal was announced today giving people the chance to create a unique programme through a ‘pick and mix’ approach.
Minister for Work Jane Kennedy named the 11 prototype areas across the country where Building on the New Deal (BoND) will begin in 2005.
“This will build on the success of the New Deal, creating a programme unique to each individual through an exciting ‘pick and mix’ approach, which gives more flexibility to customers and staff,” she said.
“We have the best employment and unemployment record of the major industrialised countries, but being the best is not enough, we want to get even better.
“The New Deal has already helped over a million people to find jobs. We are building on this success, giving people in all areas of the country the help and support they need to move off benefits and into work.
“This next step will help us get even more people into work, especially those on inactive benefits and the most disadvantaged,” said Ms Kennedy.
BoND will introduce greater flexibility into existing employment programmes, providing a service that meets the needs of individuals, local areas and local employers.
Individuals will be able to discuss their needs with a personal adviser in Jobcentre Plus. Elements from across the New Deal will then be put together to make a programme of support that is unique to them.
The prototypes will start from autumn next year and will be located in:
- Ayrshire, Dumfries, Galloway & Inverclyde (with Inverclyde starting in 2006)
- Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire
- Calderdale & Kirklees
- Cardiff & Vale
- Cheshire & Warrington
- Cornwall
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- North East London
- The Marches (Hereford, Shropshire and Worcester)
There will also be one in Gateshead & South Tyneside which will start from April 2006.
Ms Kennedy added: “One of the aims is to reduce complexity and bureaucracy, making our employment programmes simpler for staff and customers. Flexible employment programmes will help meet the needs of our flexible labour market – helping our businesses to recruit the people they need to compete in global markets.”
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