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01/02/2002
Independent report reveals limitations of New Deal
The publication of a major independent survey of the New Deal for 18-24 year olds and the New Deal Pilot for those aged 25 years and over, has revealed that the programme has a limited impact on individuals who face numerous barriers to employment, such as the older long-term unemployed.
The document is the fourth in a series of independent evaluation reports that examine the effectiveness of the New Deal programmes. Undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers in two phases during 2000 and 2001, the research comprised nearly 200 in-depth qualitative interviews with New Deal participants and eight case studies examining all aspects of the delivery of the programme.
The report found that New Deal works well with motivated participants, especially those with positive previous experiences in the labour market, and particularly in areas of Northern Ireland where local labour market conditions are relatively buoyant.
However, the programme worked less well for the 25+ group than for those aged 18-24 years, and highlighted a need for greater understanding and use of the current flexibilities in available New Deal options.
Welcoming the findings of the report Education Minister Carmel Hanna said: “It is clear from this independent evaluation of New Deal that generally this initiative has had a beneficial impact on the employability and confidence of participants, often exceeding their expectations.
She added: “My Department has also noted the fact that the evaluation has highlighted some areas where there is room for improvement. The preliminary results of this evaluation have already had a significant impact in determining the design of the enhanced New Deal 25+ which was launched earlier this year and is contributing to the revision of the New Deal for 18-24 year olds.” (CL)
The document is the fourth in a series of independent evaluation reports that examine the effectiveness of the New Deal programmes. Undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers in two phases during 2000 and 2001, the research comprised nearly 200 in-depth qualitative interviews with New Deal participants and eight case studies examining all aspects of the delivery of the programme.
The report found that New Deal works well with motivated participants, especially those with positive previous experiences in the labour market, and particularly in areas of Northern Ireland where local labour market conditions are relatively buoyant.
However, the programme worked less well for the 25+ group than for those aged 18-24 years, and highlighted a need for greater understanding and use of the current flexibilities in available New Deal options.
Welcoming the findings of the report Education Minister Carmel Hanna said: “It is clear from this independent evaluation of New Deal that generally this initiative has had a beneficial impact on the employability and confidence of participants, often exceeding their expectations.
She added: “My Department has also noted the fact that the evaluation has highlighted some areas where there is room for improvement. The preliminary results of this evaluation have already had a significant impact in determining the design of the enhanced New Deal 25+ which was launched earlier this year and is contributing to the revision of the New Deal for 18-24 year olds.” (CL)
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New Deal programme helps with return to work
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