Kickstart Scheme is now OPEN

Please note this article was published on 3rd September 2020 and may be out of date. For the latest information about financial support around Coronavirus, please click here

As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme is now open will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.

The 6 month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. The first placements are likely to be available from November.

– Anyone between the age of 16 and 24 who is out-of-work and claiming Universal Credit may be eligible.  Jobcentre staff will identify people at risk of long-term unemployment to refer to the scheme, and Jobcentre work coaches will support candidates before and after their placement.

-The government will fund each Kickstart job – paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for a 25-hour a week. Employers can top up pay out of their own pocket or extend the hours if they wish.

-In addition, the government is offering employers £1,500 to set up support and training for those taking part, or other set-up costs such as buying uniforms.

If employing more than 30 Kickstart roles

Larger employers can check eligibility and register their interest here.

If employing less than 30 Kickstart roles

Employers interested in offering fewer than 30 Kickstart roles should apply through a representative organisation.

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