Kickstart Scheme
Kickstart your workforce with the new ‘Kickstart Scheme’
The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit. Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce is working alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and is a recognised intermediary in coordinating business responses.
Businesses of all sizes looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply 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.
The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. In addition, businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can apply for £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.
The pandemic has caused disruption to many businesses and individuals, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without meaningful employment.
As part of the Kickstart scheme, the Chamber acts as a Gateway Organisation between employers and local job centres, who will match suitable candidates with work experience opportunities.
Key Facts on the scheme
The government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
You can only apply through the government portal if you have a minimum of 30 jobs available. However employers can group together through Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber to create a minimum of 30 jobs collectively.
£2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people (16 – 24 yrs).
The candidates are aged between 16-24 and are on Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment.
All registered companies can benefit from this scheme.
Businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can apply for £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.
Official guidance on the Kickstart scheme
The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) are working towards a one month turn round on applications.
The government has introduced a new Kickstart Scheme in Great Britain, a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements aimed at those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long term unemployment.
