Liberal Democrats in Business

News and views from the Lib Dem Treasury, Trade and Industry Teams and the Liberal Democrat Business Forum

New Deal Outdated And Inflexible - Laws

1.58.44pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 14th May 2007

Commenting on former welfare reform minister Frank Field's attack on the New Deal, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws MP said: "The New Deal is an outdated and inflexible scheme, which fails to put the needs of unemployed people first, as the number of young unemployed shows.

"Employment support shouldn't be seen as a bolt-on to unemployment benefit, but should be at the heart of trying to get people into suitable and sustainable employment.

"The figures don't lie: with over half a million young people unemployed and 2.5 million still on Incapacity Benefit, the Government's employment strategy is clearly failing.

"We need to radically change how we provide employment support, looking towards the voluntary and private sector which has a proven track record in helping people back into work."

[Print this news story]
[Previous news story]: Developing world deserves fairer trade deal - Kramer (Fri 11th May 2007).
[Next news story]: Public Sector Failing To Negotiate Cost Effective PFI Deals - Cable (Tue 15th May 2007).

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX.
Published and promoted by Liberal Democrats in Business, 4 Cowley Street, London SW1P 3NB.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.