As part of the Government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth in the aftermath of the pandemic, they have launched a jobs programme called the Kickstart Scheme. This scheme provides funding to create jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds who are currently on Universal Credit, and thus at risk of long-time unemployment.
Employers of any size can apply for a grant that covers 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months, associated employer National Insurance contributions, and minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.
Employers will also receive £1,500 per job created, which employers should spend on training and employability support to the young person. Minc’s learning and development services are well suited to this, providing insights discovery training to help young people discover their strengths, coaching and mentoring that can help staff achieve their individual and organisational goals and facilitation services that ensure meetings have clear goals and outcomes. Furthermore, we can help skill your staff in key areas such as social media.
New employees employed with Kickstart grant money can start work any time up to 31 March 2022. Employers can apply directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or via a Kickstart gateway, which is an organisation that will apply for funding on an employer’s behalf such as a charity or trade body. They may also provide additional employability support to the young people employed. There are also Gateway Plus organisations, who can apply on behalf of smaller organisations, such as sole traders.
Applications for the Kickstart scheme close on 17 December 2021, meaning you cannot apply for any new grants or add more jobs to an existing grant. Applications received before that date will still be processed.
If you have recently hired someone using the Kickstart scheme and are looking for training solutions our team can help.