The government’s welfare-to-work scheme, the New Deal, is failing young people from ethnic minorities, according to an influential parliamentary group.
A report from the public accounts committee said: “[Whereas] the New Deal for Young People has had a positive impact for many, outcomes for certain ethnic minority groups have been poorer.” It said many of the young people helped into employment by the scheme “would in any event have found a job in a growing economy” and called for greater monitoring.

Minister for work Nick Brown said the New Deal for Young People had helped nearly 380,000 people into work. He said his department would look closely at the report’s recommendations and respond in due course.