A DfEE press release provides latest data on the New Deal:

Latest figures from the New Deal show that 144,600 young people have now found work.

Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett said today: "Month after month, the New Deal keeps doing what it does best - helping long-term unemployed young people into jobs and improving their employability".

In addition, Government Statistical Service figures up to the end of August show that New Deal has helped 92,100 young people receive training or work experience:

20,200 on the Environment Task Force;
21,100 on the Voluntary Sector Option; and
50,800 in Full Time Education and Training
David Blunkett added: "These young people are taking the opportunities to get themselves off benefit and into paid employment with the self respect and self reliance that this brings."

Employment Minister Tessa Jowell added that "New Deal’s performance is being recognised internationally. Last week, the UK was praised by the European Commission for its effort to tackle unemployment through the New Deal. We are seen internationally as one of the top performers on jobs and our partners are eager to look at how New Deal contributes to our buoyant labour market."

The New Deal National programme for long-term unemployed people aged 25 plus also showed steady progress - over 24,000 people have now found work.