Kickstart gets a boost as Government urges more employers to join the scheme

8th February 2021

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The Government has made the 'Kickstart Scheme' simpler for employers of all sizes in the UK in a move designed to boost jobs post-lockdown.

The scheme, which has been underway since September, provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.

Previously employers must have had a minimum of 30 job vacancies available if they wanted to apply for the scheme. However, this threshold was removed on Feb 3, 2021.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Thérèse Coffey said, “Kickstart has moved up a gear and I encourage employers to join us and invest in the next generation of talent by joining our Kickstart scheme. By removing the threshold of a minimum 30 jobs for direct applications, we are making it even simpler to get involved.”

Under the scheme the Government will pay 100% of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours for a total of 6 months plus all NI contributions and employer auto-enrolment contributions. Further funding is available to assist with training and support: up to £1,500 per placement.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, “Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure they’re not left without hope and opportunity.

“The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. Since opening for applications last Autumn, we’ve worked with some of the most exciting companies to create more than 120,000 Kickstart jobs – which is a huge vote of confidence in our young people at a challenging time.”

To find out more and learn how to apply for the scheme, click HERE.


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