COVID-19 Update – 2 September – Kickstart Scheme

The government are funding £2b to their new kickstart scheme designed to create high-quality 6-month work placements for 16-24 year-olds who are on Universal Credit and deemed to be at risk of long term unemployment.

The funding will be used to cover costs of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Employers from all industries across the private, public, and voluntary sectors are eligible to get involved. If you wish to take part you can find all of the information you need to apply here.

The scheme is specifically designed for employers to help participants develop their skills and experience with:

• Looking for long-term work
• CV and interview preparation
• Essential skills, such as teamwork, organisation, and communication.

Please be aware bids must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. However, you are able to partner with other organisations to reach this minimum number. Placements you offer are also not allowed to replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees/contracts to lose or reduce their employment and the roles must be for a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months and should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement.

Applications are being accepted now from employers or groups of employers – check the guidance for employers.

Young people can find out more about the Kickstart Scheme at the jobhelp site.

Find out more