The Kickstart scheme is a £2 billion fund designed to create hundreds of thousands of high quality, 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit.
As the Government launches its Kickstart scheme, aimed at helping young people into work, the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber network are working together to support businesses to maximise the benefits of the scheme.
Launched this week in response to the global pandemic, it is hoped the latest government initiative will help the many individuals who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without meaningful employment.
The Government’s Kickstart scheme is designed to help young people whose dreams, careers and ideal jobs have been affected by COVID-19.
The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Businesses will also receive £1,500 per placement to help transition the young person into the business.
This means that for any business, of any size and operating in any sector who is looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements and support the next generation through the early stages of their career to develop skills and experience.
This year thousands of young people have already been furloughed or lost their jobs. On top of that, more than 700,000 young people are leaving education and entering the labour market at an extremely difficult time. As a result, there are already more than 800,000 under-24-year-olds receiving Universal Credit, many of whom are out of work.
Chambers across the UK are fully supportive of this scheme and, through the power of the UK-wide Chamber network, we are on hand to assist businesses to access the scheme and encourage them to register their interest with us as soon as possible. If your business is looking to provide opportunities for 16 – 24 year olds, create fewer than 30 Kickstart job placements then you may apply through an intermediary.
Sussex Chamber is acting as an intermediary and will collate business placements. We can help guide you through the process and advise on the next steps.