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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
"When you feel that people aren’t even replying to your applications because of your age, it boosts your ego to be part of a company. You feel part of life again," says Jim Green, who has just completed the government’s New Deal programme and is now employed full-time by BS Tooling in Mallusk.
10 February 2015
Purepipe To Invest £250,000 And Create Six New Jobs
Belfast-based Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new jobs as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state-of-the-art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.
Purepipe To Invest £250,000 And Create Six New Jobs
Belfast-based Purepipe is investing £250,000 and creating six new jobs as part of plans to boost sales in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £45,000 towards its expansion which involves investing in new state-of-the-art specialised pipe manufacturing equipment needed to target new business.
28 January 2011
Size 'No Barrier to the Green Deal'
Small construction companies must not be excluded from the Green New Deal was the message from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Northern Ireland to the Minister for Department of Social Development (DSD) & Housing, Alex Attwood MLA, when they met this week.
Size 'No Barrier to the Green Deal'
Small construction companies must not be excluded from the Green New Deal was the message from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Northern Ireland to the Minister for Department of Social Development (DSD) & Housing, Alex Attwood MLA, when they met this week.
17 December 2010
Govt Ends 'Gold-Plating' Of EU Regulations
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Govt Ends 'Gold-Plating' Of EU Regulations
Secretary of State for Business, and Chair of the Reducing Regulation Committee, Vince Cable this week set out a series of new principles that the Government will use when introducing European measures into UK law.
14 June 2010
CIPR Journalism Awards In Full
Deric Henderson of the Press Association has been awarded the Journalist of the Year title The Belfast Telegraph lifted the title for Coca-Cola CIPR Newspaper of the Year, and the BBC's Spotlight Programme won the Coca-Cola CIPR Scoop of the Year and the Coca-Cola CIPR Current Affairs Programme of the Year for its Irish Robinson Investigation.
CIPR Journalism Awards In Full
Deric Henderson of the Press Association has been awarded the Journalist of the Year title The Belfast Telegraph lifted the title for Coca-Cola CIPR Newspaper of the Year, and the BBC's Spotlight Programme won the Coca-Cola CIPR Scoop of the Year and the Coca-Cola CIPR Current Affairs Programme of the Year for its Irish Robinson Investigation.
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