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THE GOVERNMENT’S youth employment Kickstart Scheme is now open to applications from businesses.
The £2 billion scheme aims to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully-subsidised jobs for young people across the country.
Those involved will see the Government pay 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.
Minister for employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Small and medium sized businesses once again thriving, is key to our economic recovery which is why I’m encouraging every single one to consider getting involved in our Kickstart Scheme as part of their next stage.
“We want to create as many opportunities for young people as possible and with representative bodies supporting SMEs to submit bids, they will be guided through the process so they can start recruiting Kickstarters.”
She added: “This innovative scheme is mutually beneficial for local employers, who get new access to an enormous pool of potential, and the young recruits will gain vital experience, confidence and a crucial boost to their career credentials.”
The scheme is open to businesses of all sizes, and the Kickstart roles cannot be used to fill existing or planned vacancies.
The contract lasts for six months and the Government will make £1,500 available per person to cover employment support, uniform expenses, training and admin fees.
Young people will be enrolled on the Kickstart scheme by their jobcentre work coach, and then matched up with vacancies that are suitable for them. They must be on Universal Credit at the point of application.
Kickstart applicants will then go through the company’s normal interview process.
Businesses applying for the Kickstart Scheme have two routes of access, depending on the number of people being hired.
To hire fewer than 30 people, businesses apply through an intermediary, such as other businesses, local authorities, trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and charities.
Hiring more than 30 people can be done directly through the Government’s website.
Businesses can also apply to become an intermediary, but must have experience of managing partnership agreements with third parties and robust financial and governance processes to manage the application.
Organisations acting as intermediaries for employers will be paid £300 for each placement.
To hire fewer than 30 people, businesses apply through an intermediary, such as other businesses, local authorities, trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and charities.
For more information about finding an intermediary, visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-contacts/kickstart-scheme-employer-contact
To hire more than 30 people, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-grant-through-the-kickstart-scheme
To become an intermediary, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-apply-for-a-grant-as-a-representative-of-a-group-of-employers-through-the-kickstart-scheme
