Are you looking at ways to give that extra boost of activity to your business without it costing you anything? Would an extra pair of hands come in useful to shift those jobs you never get around to do? What if you were also at the same time helping a young person to gain valuable work skills to support their employability? Well in that case the Government’s Kickstart Scheme could be a golden opportunity for you.
What is the scheme?
The Government will fund the employment of young people aged 16-24, who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment, for a period of 6 months on 25 hours per week at the relevant National Minimum Wage. The aim being to build their confidence and skills in the workplace to increase their chances of future sustainable work.
What will the Government pay?
- 100% pay for each 6-month work placement for 25 hours per week at the relevant National Minimum Wage, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. You can top up payments if they wish.
- £1,500 per job placement for set up costs and support:
- for IT equipment and software licences, administration and management time and support with helping Participants develop work skills and experience (employability support).
- ‘employability support’ may include on-the-job training, work search support, skills development, mentoring, careers advice and other related support to help Participants find sustained employment after they have completed the Kickstart Scheme.
- any uniform, equipment and Personal Protective Equipment as required.
- fees for external auditors/accountants for reporting/certifying that the Grant paid was applied for its intended purposes.
NB: When in receipt of the Grant, you cannot claim any other government funding for the Participants, including reimbursement of Statutory Sick Pay or payments under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
What is the job placement criteria?
Job placements must be NEW jobs. They must not:
- replace existing or planned vacancies
- cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours
The job placements must:
- be a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
- pay at least the NMW
- only require basic training
For each job placement you must help the young person become more employable. This could include:
- looking for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
- support with curriculum vitae (CV) and interview preparations
- developing their skills in the workplace
How do I claim?
- Kickstart Scheme job placements are only available for Universal Credit claimants aged 16 to 24 who are referred to you by DWP.
- You will need to complete an online Application Form on the government website which must be approved, and you must also sign a Grant Agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of the Grant. Kick Start Scheme
