‘Shambolic’ New Deal needs reform

Individually tailored work schemes for people who have difficulty
finding jobs would be rolled out by the Liberal Democrats.

Paul Holmes, spokesperson for work, said Labour’s “shambolic”
welfare-to-work programme, the New Deal, would engage people
individually under the Lib Dems.

He dismissed the New Deal as a programme with a “one-size-fits-all”
approach which had low rates of success.

Holmes said the new system would also make the most of local
employment opportunities. “The New Deal needs complete and total
reform. Flexibility is the key, with training programmes linked to
the local labour market,” he said.

The party also promised more help for disabled people and other
groups who face major barriers to employment .