Skills 19
Kickstart scheme goes live If you are hiring or considering hiring extra staff, South East London Chamber of Commerce can help you make the most of government funding to ease your wage bill.
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n September ministers announced the £2 billion Kickstart scheme, an incentive for businesses to help at-risk young people get back into work. The scheme will begin in November and run initially until the end of next year. Kickstart is an attempt to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality, six-month work placements for young people aged between 16 and 24. Under the scheme, the government will fund all of the costs of the wage of 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming universal credit and at risk of long-term unemployment who are hired by employers. It will cover 100% of the minimum wage, national insurance and pension contributions for a maximum of 25 hours a week - with firms able to top up wages. The job placements should support the participants
to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme. As an incentive, the government is offering businesses up to £1,500 towards set-up support, training and the cost of uniforms. Any business, 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 or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment. The roles must be made available for a minimum of 25 hours per week for six months, paid at least the national minimum wage for their age group, and should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement.
“To be successful, Kickstart needs to create long-term, quality employment opportunities and ensure that businesses and employees are fully supported throughout the placement.”
Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: • Support to look for longterm 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 Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their six-month term. Businesses looking to offer fewer than 30 Kickstart roles have to apply through a representative organisation, such as a local Chamber of Commerce. Funding is available following a successful application process. Simply contact the Chamber to apply. Jane Gratton, head of people policy at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), says: “At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.
“To be successful, Kickstart needs to create long-term, quality employment opportunities and ensure that businesses and employees are fully supported throughout the placement.” “Rooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers’ growth aspirations, and will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs.” If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help you do this, as you are not eligible to apply directly. We are collating businesses for DWP/government, bringing them together for those who want to create fewer than 30 placements. To register you interest, contact the Chamber and we will get back to you with further information. office@selondonchamber.org If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly.
October 2020
