HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : ´New Deal´ giving impetus for more jobs in retail sector, says Geoffrey Robinson [November 1997]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 20 November 1997.

Retailers – large and small – were invited to follow the lead of some of their competitors in the sector by signing up to the Government’s New Deal bringing young people into work, Paymaster General Geoffrey Robinson said today.

Mr Robinson said:

“The retail sector represents 10 per cent of the workforce and has the potential to play a very important part in the delivery of the New Deal. What we are proposing is a new approach, engaging the business community as a partner in bringing people into work. It is working and businesses are signing up to get on board.”

Mr Robinson, who was addressing the British Retail Consortium in London, said he was encouraged by news of retailers offering their support for the New Deal.

“The British Retail Consortium are playing an extremely valuable role by providing a link between the Employment Service and retailers who wish to participate in the New Deal. I would like to express my support for the commitment from the retail sector.”