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Cash boost for young job seekers welcomed


By David Porter

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A new benefit to support 16 to 24 year olds into work if they have been unemployed for six months has opened for applications.

Job Start Payment is a one off £250 payment to help with the costs of starting a new job.

The upper age limit rises to 25 for care leavers and the payment rises to £400 if the person has a child.

In its first year, it is estimated around 5,000 young people will benefit from this new financial support.

Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the additional support for those aged 16-24 who are seeking work.
Shirley-Anne Somerville announced the additional support for those aged 16-24 who are seeking work.

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am delighted that our Job Start Payment is today now open for applications, it really couldn’t come at a better time to support our young people to take up job offers.

“Young people are among those whose job prospects have been hardest hit by this pandemic.

"As such, it is crucial that we support them and ensure they are at the heart of our economic recovery from Covid-19.

“Last week, we announced an additional £10 million for a range of measures to recruit and retain apprentices.

"Combined with our commitment of at least £50 million for youth employment and the Scotland’s Youth Guarantee, we will ensure no one is left behind.

“Building on this work to create opportunities, this new benefit will also help young people after a period of unemployment.

"Getting a job can represent a massive turning point for many young people, but it can also bring financial pressures.

“Costs like travel, new work clothes, or childcare often have to be met before people get their first pay.

“The brand new Job Start Payment will help young people with these costs, which can sometimes be a barrier to them taking up an offer and we will be encouraging anyone eligible to apply. ”

Commenting local MSP Stewart Stevenson said: “I am really pleased the Scottish Government has launched the Job Start Payment which will give a much-needed financial boost to young people entering work.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused uncertainty for many people hoping to enter the jobs market or for those who may have lost employment as a result of the ongoing impact to the economy.

“This package will help thousands of young people - It is vital we support the next generation of young people entering the workforce.

“I would urge young people in the north-east to apply for the Job Start Payment to help them gain access to work.”

People can find out more and apply through mygov.scot or by calling 0800 182 2222.

The payment will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.

To qualify for the payment, a person must be 16-24 years old and have received a job offer for paid employment.

The person must be out of paid work and in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits: Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit for six months or more at the time of the job offer.


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