Building on New Deal
The Government's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a shake up of its New Deal programme to make it simpler and tailored to the needs of local labour markets.

"Building on New Deal: Local solutions meeting individual needs" was published by the DWP in May 2004 and a PDF can be downloaded by clicking here.

The document outlines the lessons learnt from innovative approaches used in Action Team for Jobs, Employment Zones and other initiatives and is a preliminary report to a full "Building on New Deal" paper.

In summary, the report recognises that whilst a great deal has been done to reduce unemployment in the UK, more work needs to take place to tackle severe concentrations of worklessness on a local level. It recognises that many people who are not currently employed face acute or multiple barriers to work.

The report reflects work and discussions that have been taking place through the Liverpool Strategic Employment Partnership that includes representatives from organisations such as Jobcentre Plus, Connexions, the JETs and Employment Zone providers. In 2004/5 this work has led to the rolling out of the Streets Ahead and Skills Passport initiatives that were developed by JET South Liverpool.

Whilst unemployment and worklessness in Liverpool is still significantly higher than the national average, this new report points towards new types of support that will build upon existing successes that recognise local need rather than applying a generic approach.