Youth Training rebranded: an analysis of the New Deal

The aim of this article is to examine the New Deal training program for the young unemployed from the perspective of participants. The study offers evidence from interviews conducted in Dundee, Scotland, between March and August 2000 with 50 participants who perceive the New Deal negatively with regard to the program's ability to provide real employment opportunities. The findings challenge government assertions that rather than enabling young people to 'get off benefits' and into employment, the New Deal is a means of massaging official unemployment figures.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

The aim of this article is to examine the New Deal training program for the young unemployed from the perspective of participants. The study offers evidence from interviews conducted in Dundee, Scotland, between March and August 2000 with 50 participants who perceive the New Deal negatively with regard to the program's ability to provide real employment opportunities. The findings challenge government assertions that rather than enabling young people to 'get off benefits' and into employment, the New Deal is a means of massaging official unemployment ...  [+] Show more