Who has to go on this New Deal?
You will have your first New Deal interview when you have been signing on unemployed for 18 months. You can ask to enter the New Deal system early if you face 'particularly severe disadvantages' in the job market. For example:
- you are homeless
- you are an ex-offender
- you have basic problems reading, writing or using numbers
- you have a disability, or
- your first language isn't English
What are the New Deal Options?
New Deal 25+ starts with a Gateway period of up to 4 months of advice and help to find a job. You may be sent on a short, compulsory work preparation course.
The Gateway is followed by an 'Intensive Activity Period' of up to 13 weeks, or more. The activities you will be offered can include:
- job-search help
- work experience
- short training courses
- Full-time Education and Training
- Subsidised Employment
- Supported self-employment
If you are age 50 or over, the 'Intensive Activity Period' is not compulsory. If you are aged under 50 it is compulsory and your personal adviser can direct you to carry out an activity. You can lose benefit, if you leave an activity without good reason.
Tell me more about the Full-time Education and Training option
You may be able to study full-time for up to a year. The course must be agreed with your New Deal adviser. The course must be employment related and be of real help in finding you work.
You won't have to show that you are available for or actively seeking work during term-time and you will only have to sign on every 13 weeks. You are expected to give up the course if a full-time permanent job is offered, unless it is within 4 weeks of the end of the course or your exams. Also, during the holidays you will have to sign on for casual work.
You will carry on getting Jobseeker's Allowance and your other benefits. You can lose benefit if you leave the course without good reason, or don't attend when you should, or don't make satisfactory progress. Ask your New Deal Adviser about help with the costs of books, material or other support you need.
What if I am already studying part-time?
- Depending on how long you have been unemployed, you may have finished your course before you are referred to New Deal
- Your personal adviser may agree that you should finish your part-time course because it will help you get a job
- You may be able to continue studying for the same qualification under the Full-time Education Option, but you would have to do a course that fits in with the rules for this Option
You can find more information about the New Deal for people aged 25 or over (external site).
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser
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Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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