The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a £2 billion Kickstart scheme designed to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.
The aim of the scheme is to create six-month job placements for those aged 16-24 who are currently on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. Jobs will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales and the first placements are likely to be available from November.
How does the Kickstart scheme work for employers?
Employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week. They will also receive the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they’ve completed their Kickstart funded job.
If you’re an employer looking to create jobs placements for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the scheme. Please head to gov.uk to find out more.
How do I apply?
As with all the recent government schemes, you will be able to apply online.
If you’re applying for 30 or more job placements, you can apply directly. If you’re applying for less than 30 placements, you must apply through a representative of a group of employers. They can submit an application on your behalf, using other employers to create 30 or more job placements in one application.
What information will I need to provide?
During the application process, you will need to provide:
- Your Companies House reference number or Charity Commission number
- Your organisation’s address and contact details
- Details of the job placements you’re offering and their location
- Supporting information to show that the job placements are new jobs and that they meet the Kickstart Scheme criteria
- information about the support your organisation can give to develop employability skills of young people
What happens after I’ve applied?
Your application will be reviewed to check it meets the requirements of the Kickstart scheme. It will then go to a panel for consideration. This is not a competitive process, but Kickstart will only provide funding when the job placements meet the criteria.
DWP aims to respond to applications within one month.
If your application meets the requirements of the scheme, you will receive a letter with a grant agreement. This agreement will include what your company has agreed to provide and how much funding you will receive from the Kickstart Scheme.
For more information, please head to gov.uk or get in touch with PKB and we’ll be happy to help.
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