In July 2020 Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £2bn Kickstart scheme to create more jobs for young people. This is part of an emergency package to prevent mass unemployment as coronavirus hits the UK economy.

The Kickstart scheme provides funding to employers so that they can create job placements for young people aged between 16 and 24 years old that are currently on Universal Credit.

This scheme is open to all industries and businesses of all sizes. The funding 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. The placements are usually for six months as these will help the employer and also give enough time for the young person to learn some new skills which will help them gain permanent employment afterwards

However, it is important to note that a Kickstart application must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. So, for smaller businesses that are only planning to recruit a few people, the only way to apply is through a Kickstart gateway, such as a local authority, charity or trade body.

To find a gateway for the Kickstart scheme, click on this link – Find a Kickstart gateway to apply for a Kickstart scheme grant on your behalf.

If you would like any further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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