The scale of the revolution taking place in the workplace was today illustrated in a new Government jobs report which revealed that more men than ever are working as receptionists and more women than ever are working as chemists.

The report, "Employment Now - 1 million more people in work", was launched yesterday by Employment Minister Tessa
Jowell in Glasgow. The report found that since 1997, 56% more men worked as receptionists and 44% more women were employed in the natural sciences sector.

Ms Jowell launched the document at a TUC fringe meeting in Glasgow where she also gave details of a new Government drive to promote opportunities for older workers through New Deal 50+, including a national TV advertising campaign.

Ms Jowell said, "There are over a million more people in work today than in 1997. This hasn't happened by chance. It is the result of the Government's economic policies to deliver stability and economic growth. Economic stability gives business confidence to invest and create more jobs.

The Employment Now report shows how the jobs market is changing and evolving. There are now around a million people in Britain employed in jobs based on information and communication technology. That is four times the number working on farms and around three times the number employed making cars, trains, boats, planes and other forms of
transport.

"This change creates new opportunities but also uncertainty for individuals and a challenge for government. This report is about how the government is helping people meet that challenge - it is vital that everyone has the opportunity to access the new jobs. This is why the Government is investing so much in IT-based centres to improve skills and in ensuring that our schools are properly connected to the
Internet."

Ms Jowell added, "It is vital in this changing jobs market that the unemployed people, particularly the long-term unemployed, can be helped back into the labour market. Older workers need the chance to return to the labour market. The Government has a key role to play here - 10,000 people have already found work with the help of New Deal 50 plus - aimed at older workers. New Deal 50 plus not only benefits them individually but also the labour market which benefits from their skills and experience.

But it is important that as many people as possible know what is on offer - and that if they want to find work in their fifties and sixties, there is real help available. That's why we're launching a national TV advertising campaign for New Deal 50 plus, letting people who have benefited directly from the programme tell their stories."

New Deal 50 plus provides:

- A guaranteed minimum take home income of £170 a week or £9,000 a year for those taking up full-time employment or £215 a week and £11,000 a year for those also eligible for the Disabled Person's Tax Credit

- flexible support for part-time and full-time work and
self-employment

- A tax free Employment Credit (paid to the individual) of £60 a week for up to 12 months (£40 for part-time work) on top of the individual's earnings from employment Personal Advice and help with finding a job

- An in-work Training Grant of up to £750