Today (02/09/2020) the government’s Kickstart scheme starts.
If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people, you can do so in two ways:
- If you are looking to create fewer than 30 placements, you can do this via the Chamber. Please complete the form here.
- If you are looking to create more than 30 placements, you can apply here
How the scheme works
You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.
Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.
Funding is available following a successful application process. Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If you are unable to offer this many job placements, you can apply through us, the Chamber. Simply register your interest here
If you are a representative applying on behalf of a group of employers, you can get £300 of funding to support with the associated administrative costs of bringing together these employers.
Kickstart is not an apprenticeship, but participants may move on to an apprenticeship at any time during, or after their job placement.
Who can apply for funding
Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.
The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:
- replace existing or planned vacancies
- cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment
The roles you are applying for must be:
- a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
- paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
- should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement
Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:
- support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
- support with CV and interview preparations
- supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork
Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.
How to apply
If you’re creating fewer than 30 job placements
If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help you do this, as you are not able to apply directly. We are collating businesses for DWP/Government, bringing them together for those who want to do less than 30 placements.
Register your interest here and we will get back to you with further information.
If you’re creating more than 30 job placements
If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly.
Start your application here
Commenting on the launch of the Kickstart scheme, allowing employers to offer government-subsidised work placements for young people aged between 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment, BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said:
“At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.”
“To be successful, Kickstart needs to create long-term, quality employment opportunities and ensure that both businesses and employees are fully supported throughout the placement.”
“Rooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers’ growth aspirations, and will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs.”