The Kickstart scheme will allow employers of any organisation, regardless of size to offer government subsidised work placements for young people aged between 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at a risk of long-term unemployment.

The job placements will support the participants to develop their skills and experiences they need to find work after completing the scheme.

The Chamber, working together with government and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are looking to gather interest from businesses hoping to benefit from this scheme, especially those looking to create less than 30 placements. I would urge all businesses who are interested in the Kickstart scheme to get in touch with the Chamber to discuss how this will benefit your business.

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 £1,500 per job placement available for set-up costs, support and training.

The scheme will allow employees to create job placements for young people. At a time where cashflow is a key concern for businesses, this fully funded scheme will be welcomed by those businesses looking to bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future and also offer the opportunity to help grow and develop younger workers. The Chancellor has previously suggested that it will be young people who are most affected by the Coronavirus Crisis when it comes to employment. The number of people aged 24 and under claiming Universal Credit peaked at half a million during the height of lockdown.

The scheme supports the Chancellor’s summer statement of creating and sustaining jobs however in order to be successful in the long term, government need to ensure that businesses and employees are provided with full support throughout the placement in order for those enrolled on these placements, to be well equipped to be in a position to find longer term employment within the next 6 months.Funding is available following a successful application process. Interest to create fewer than 30 job placements can be submitted via the Chamber. For more than 30 placements, applications can be made directly through gov.uk.The Chamber will be working closely with local businesses, government and DWP to make sure businesses will benefit from the scheme and take advantage of this exciting opportunity. More information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit hwchamber.co.uk/government-kickstart-scheme-is-live-for-businesses-to-apply.