1. the New Deal the programme begun by US President Franklin D Roosevelt in the 1930s to end the Great Depression . It introduced new economic and social measures, and made the national government more powerful. New organizations were created to manage it, including the Securities and Exchange Commission , the Works Progress Administration and the Tennessee Valley Authority . Some people criticized the New Deal for being too expensive and for giving too much power to the government. Compare Square Deal .
2. ( in Britain ) a government programme that helps people who have been unemployed and claiming benefits (= money from the state) for longer than six months to find employment. It also helps disabled people return to work, as well as the partners of people claiming benefits. The programme provides a number of services, including training, advice and help in starting a business.