More than 120,000 jobs for 16 to 24 year olds have now been created through the government’s flagship Kickstart Scheme, as Richard urges more employers to get involved.
The scheme, which has been underway since September, is helping to put young people - who have been some of the hardest hit by the economic impact of the pandemic - on the first rung of their career ladder. The start dates for these jobs vary but will all begin this year.
From 3 February, the government will make it even simpler for employers of all sizes to benefit from joining the scheme by removing the limit requiring they create a minimum of 30 vacancies to apply directly. To ensure all job placements continue to be of a high quality, the government will continue to apply rigorous checks on training support and finances.
Richard Fuller MP said: "We know that young people are often hit hardest when the economy faces significant challenges, which is why we will do everything in our power to ensure they are not left without hope or opportunity.
"Since the Kickstart Scheme was launched last Autumn, the government has been working with companies to create over 120,000 Kickstart jobs to support young people on to the first rung of the job ladder. And to encourage more employers of all sizes to join, the government is removing the minimum 30 vacancies requirement to apply, so we can help create hundreds of thousands more high quality job placements."
For those employers who want support to get involved with the scheme, they can continue to partner with one of the many gateway organisations such as a Local Authority or Chamber of Commerce. Gateways can help provide a local connection and the necessary wrap around support which is a hallmark of the Kickstart Scheme. Since applications opened in September, there are now more than 600 approved gateways covering many sectors and all parts of the country. With so many gateways already approved, applications for new gateways are closing this week – but businesses that wish to sign up with the support of an existing gateway will still be able to do so.
From 3 February 2021, employers will be able to apply to the Kickstart Scheme without a minimum threshold of 30 jobs.
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
- associated employer National Insurance contributions
- employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.
Employers can look up details of Kickstart gateways who have told the Department for Work and Pensions they’re interested in helping.
For more information for both employers and young people, visit this page.
