Businesses to benefit from free employees to help local job market

Ongo has launched an exciting new project aimed at getting hundreds of local people into employment.

This is part of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create six month placements for people aged between 16 and 24, and currently receiving Universal Credit.

The government has pledged to fund each placement, paying national minimum wage for 25 hours a week, which means local businesses can fill a number of vacancies completely free of charge to them.

Already 14 companies have signed up to the scheme, with more than 50 vacancies available. However, more are being urged to get in touch and benefit from this funding and extra members of staff.

There is no limit to the number of placements available, with Ongo themselves committing to 22 new roles within their roofing, homes and communities’ teams.

Maryanne Fitzgerald, Engagement and Enterprise Manager at Ongo, said: “We are delighted to be part of such a great scheme, helping to create lots of much needed roles within the area.

“We understand that even without the challenges Covid-19 has caused, for young people, getting into work can be really difficult. That’s why Kickstart is so important.

“It’s a benefit to the individual getting into work, for the businesses providing the opportunities and also for us managing the placements, as getting people into work is what we’re all about. Overall it will make a huge difference to our local community and we’re very proud to be a part of it.”

Once placed into a role Ongo’s support doesn’t stop there, to the business or individual. Advice and additional training will be available throughout the placement, along with wraparound mentoring and support.

Then after the six months, if further work isn’t available, Ongo’s Employment Support team will step in to provide extra job skills, qualifications and help individuals to apply for permanent employment.

If you’re a local business and you think you could take someone on a placement, please call Maryanne or Katie at Ongo on 01724 844848, or email maryanne.fitzgerald@ongo.co.uk. To find out more about the scheme visit www.gov.uk/kickstart.