The Kickstart scheme was introduced by Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, in Summer 2020. With an investment of £2 billion pounds, it is a positive approach to assist thousands of long term unemployed young people back into work. The scheme is expected to last until next year 2022.
For a young person to qualify for this scheme, they must be between the ages of 16 – 24 and claiming Universal Credit.
Work Placement
In order to get the British economy back up and running, the Chancellor has stressed to all companies, big and small, to consider this option. This is a short term 6 month paid work placement and not an apprenticeship. The guidelines outline one young person per business, not multitudes.
The benefits are tangible as the young person will not only get the chance to experience what it is like to be an employee but to assist them with their long-term career goal planning. They will gain important vocational skills, be supported by management to follow instructions and importantly teamwork. There could also be the chance if the young person works hard, to be permanently recruited.
In return the government will pay:
- £1500 per young person
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours worked per week.
- National Insurance contributions and minimum auto pension contribution.
The role offered must be a new but offer genuine opportunity for the individual to develop their career skills; hence meaningful.
Sunak comments ‘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’.
For employers who wish to get involved in the programme, they can contact their local authority, Department for work and pension or chamber of commerce for more details about the scheme and how they can recruit.
More information can be obtained here
The article is for general information purposes only and should you require any further assistance on the matter please do not hesitate to call our advice-line team on 01455 852028.
