EMPLOYMENT Minister Andrew Smith visited Birkenhead to explain to employers the New Deal scheme being pioneered by the 'Minister for Welfare Reform' Birkenhead MP Frank Field.

Wirral is one of the launch pads in January of the Government's welfare to work programme - three months ahead of the rest of the country.

Speaking over breakfast at the new International Business and Management Centre, Birkenhead, Mr Smith said: "I am here to explain how businesses can benefit from the New Deal and how firms can offer hope and opportunity to young people in Wirral. There are about 2,800 young people between 18 and 24, who have been out of work for more than six months."

New Deal options are a subsidised 'New Deal' job, work with the Environment Task Force, work in the voluntary sector, return to full time education, or training.

Firms can call 0845-606-2626 for a fact sheet on how they can take part. Wirral Job Centre has also hosted a meeting for local industry at Price Street, Birkenhead.

However, Wirral TUC Secretary Alec McFadden is upset that Wirral Labour MPs chose to vote to cut single parent benefits. "The number of single parents in Wirral is 7,933 receiving Income Support but only 2,149 registered vacancies exist," claims Mr McFadden.

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