Businesses are being urged to apply to a £2billion scheme aimed at getting people under the age of 24 back into work.
The Kickstart Scheme, designed to boost employment for young people across England, Scotland, and Wales, has today (02 September) opened for applications from employers, regardless of size.
The Kickstart Scheme is part of a raft of measures announced by the Chancellor in July, collectively known as the Plan or Jobs.
The scheme involves the creation of hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.
The 6-month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment.
They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales.
The first placements are likely to be available from November and young people will be able to access them via the Job help website.
There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.
Employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.”
“The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”
Businesses can apply to the scheme by visiting the Gov.uk website.
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