Dewsbury MP calls on employers to sign up to Government's Kickstart Scheme

The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is designed to give young people at risk of long-term unemployment a future government-subsidised jobs across the UK

Introduced as part of the Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme allows employers to offer young people between 16 and 24 who are on Universal Credit a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the Government.

Dewsbury MP Mark Eastwood said: “As we look to our economic recovery, we will honour our commitment to level up opportunity, so no young person is left behind due to the pandemic.

“The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is a clear demonstration that we are putting young people at the heart of our plans to build back better, and with over 120,000 Kickstart jobs already created, businesses are giving them their backing too.

“By investing in their potential, we can put thousands of young people on the path to a brighter future, and I would urge as many employers as possible across Kirklees to sign up.”

Under this scheme, the Government will pay 100 per cent of the young person’s age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to.

In addition, the Government will pay £1,500 per Kickstarter taken on to cover any associated set up costs.

Since it first launched in September, the Government has been working with companies across a wide range of sectors to create over 120,000 Kickstart jobs.

From Feburary, businesses can apply to the scheme for any number of placements, with the 30 vacancies minimum threshold removed so they can sign up directly. Employers can still apply through one of the over 600 Kickstart gateway organisations including local authorities, charities and trade bodies, that have supported them in applying for funding for 29 or less job placements through the scheme.