In July the Government have announced a 2 Billion Kickstart fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements aimed at those aged 16-24 year olds.
More information has been announced today (2nd September) and here is everything we know so far:
What is Kickstart?
The Kickstart Scheme is a 6 month paid job with a local employer. It provides a fully funded opportunity for you to get experience of working.
What are the requirements for Kickstart?
Jobs from the Kickstart Scheme will be open to people 16-24 years old, who are claiming Universal Credit, and are at risk of long term unemployment.
Who will tell me about it?
If you have a work coach they will talk to you about the Kickstart Scheme and whether it’s right for you. You wont be able to apply for opportunities yourself, your work coach will guide you through
When can I start a Kickstart opportunity?
The first jobs should be available from November, so not long to wait.
I am an employer, what do I need to know?
Funding available for each job will cover the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There will also be funding available to support young people to develop new skills and to help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job. Through the scheme, you’ll be able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity.
The scheme will initially prioritise young people aged between 16 and 24 who are ready for an opportunity and will be supported by their Jobcentre Plus work coach to enrol in the scheme.
Can any employer apply for the Kickstart fund?
If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the #Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly here
If you are creating less than 30 placements…
If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 Kickstart job placements, you must partner with others which could include:
- similar employers
- local authorities
- trade bodies
- registered charities
If you are a representative applying on behalf of a group of employers, you can get £300 of funding to support associated admin costs. More information about being a representative is here
What costs will the funding cover for an Employer?
Each job will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
