The government’s Kickstart scheme to support young people into employment has opened for business applications.
The £2 billion scheme is part of the government’s Plan for Jobs set out due to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Kickstart scheme aims to offer hundreds of thousands of new, subsidised jobs for 16 to 24 year olds who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The first placements are expected to be available from November.
Employers making use of the scheme will receive funding for 100% of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension contributions. Employers can also receive £1500 per placement for setup costs, support and training.
Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements, however groups of organisations can partner together to meet this requirement. Further eligibility criteria for the Kickstart Scheme is available from the government website.
As part of the scheme, employers should offer support during the 6 month work placement that will support young people into longer-term work, including interview skills, career advice and goal setting.
Applications are being accepted now from employers or groups of employers to take part in the Kickstart Scheme.