What is the Kickstart Scheme?
The Kickstart Scheme has been launched by the Government to provide funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. This £2 billion fund aims to create hundreds of thousands of job placements for young people in England, Scotland and Wales.
Any organisation in the private, public and voluntary sectors, regardless of size, can apply for funding.
Overview
- A £2 billion investment to tackle youth unemployment
- Funding to create job placements for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit
- Job placements are for 6 months and 25 hours a week
Funding will cover for each job placement:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
- The associated employer National Insurance contributions
- Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
- Employers will also receive £1,500 to help with setup costs, support and training.
The job placements created with Kickstart funding:
- Must be new jobs
- Cannot replace existing/planned vacancies
- Cannot result in staff/contractors losing work or hours
- Must help the young person become more employable
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