More jobseekers will now get 50 per cent off rail fares through the New Deal programme. It will also apply to tubes and buses in London and can be used to help pay for the first three months of commuting to a new job.
Launched in May 1998, photocards were previously only available to people on the New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25+. It will now be available to those on the following programmes:
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New Deal for Young People;
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New Deal 25 Plus;
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New Deal 50 Plus;
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New Deal for Lone Parents; and
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New Deal for Disabled People.
The card complements the existing Travel to Interview Scheme that refunds the costs to jobseekers of travelling to interviews. The card is issued through Jobcentre Plus offices and train-operating companies will meet the cost of cheaper fares.
Minister for Work Nick Brown said:
"I congratulate the Association of Train Operating Companies and Transport for London for continuing to support the New Deal by making this agreement indefinite. I'm particularly pleased they've agreed to widen its availability to lone parents, those over 50 and disabled people looking for work."
The photo cards have already made a difference to more than 80,000 jobseekers by making it cheaper to get to interviews and cheaper to travel to work, he said.
