Employers urged to help Kickstart careers for young unemployed

WITH unemployment among young people rising quickly as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, employers are being urged to take part in a scheme designed to create work placements.

The Kickstart programme, which is run by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), is now available and offers funding for firms to take young people on six-month work placements to get thm back into the labour market. Recent statistcis have shown that younger workers are up to 2.5 times more likely to have been employed in the sectors shutdown during the depths of the lockdown.

The scheme can be used to create placements for young people 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 per cent 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 £1500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. If you are unable to offer this many job placements, firms can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number.

Kickstart job placements must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk

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