Private sector led New Deal

Private sector led New Deal is the original Welfare to Work programme, set-up in 1998 for those aged 18 to 24, who have been unemployed for six months or more.

Since 2000, the New Deal for the Long Term Unemployed has supported those aged 25 to 60 who have been unemployed for 18 months or more. The New Deal is a mandatory programme, Operated across the whole of Great Britain by Jobcentre Plus and in ten districts by private sector providers. We Operate out of:

  • Hackney
  • North Tyneside

Our programme is split into three stages with a greater focus on increasing your skills.

Stage One, known as Gateway, is a 16 week period focussed on diagnostics, action planning and on securing a prompt entry to work for those who are able. This includes motivational and soft skills training for those who possess the vocational skills to enter employment.

Stage Two, known as Options, provides a range of activities over a six-month period to enable you to become better prepared for employment. These Options are:

Full time training and education – Academic or vocational training programmes to equip you with the skills to enter work.

Voluntary service option – Community based work experience programmes which allow you to gain practical experience and use for existing skills, in order to increase your employability.

Self-employment – A programme of business planning and protected trading to allow you to start your own businesses.

Subsidised employment – A six month paid work placement with a subsidy payment given to employers.

Environmental task force – Community programmes with an environmental theme which provide purposeful activity for those who are not engaged in one of the other options.

Stage Three, known as Follow Through, provides intensive job search activities over a 13-week period to support you if you remain unemployed at the end of the Options period.