kickstart scheme

The Kickstart scheme

The Kickstart scheme is a £2 billion fund designed to create hundreds of thousands of high quality, 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit.

As the Government launches its Kickstart scheme, aimed at helping young people into work, the Sussex Chamber of Commerce and the British Chamber network are working together to support businesses to maximise the benefits of the scheme.

The Government’s Kickstart scheme is designed to help young people whose dreams, careers and ideal jobs have been affected by COVID-19.

“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.” - BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton

How the Scheme works

The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrollment contributions. £1,500 is also available per placement to support and train the young person.

This means that for any business, of any size and operating in any sector who is looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements and support the next generation through the early stages of their career to develop skills and experience.

Who can apply for funding

Any organisation, 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

cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

The roles you are applying for must be:

a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months

paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group

should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

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

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

How to apply If you’re creating more than 30 job placements

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly. Start your application here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/applyfor-a-grant-through-the-kickstartscheme

If you’re creating fewer than 30 job placements

If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help you do this, as you are not eligible to able to apply directly. We are collating businesses for DWP/Government, bringing them together for those who want to do less than 30 placements. Register your interest on our website and we will get back to you with further information.

https://www. sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk/ Young-Chamber/Kickstart-Scheme Please note any business can apply. There is no requirement to be a Sussex Chamber member.

The guidance is still being updated by Department for Work and Pensions, and therefore the criteria requirements may change, so refer always to our website.