£2billion Kickstart Scheme Launched

Businesses of any size looking to recruit young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. These job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can also apply for £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Join the Kickstart Scheme with East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce as your Kickstart representative.

To apply for the kickstart scheme directly with the Government you will need to have a minimum of 30 placements, however for businesses requiring less than 30 placements East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce can help combine your placement requirements with other Chamber members so you can join the scheme.

To apply to be a part of the scheme with East Lancashire Chamber as your kickstart representative simply fill out the form and a member of the Chamber team will be in touch.

Key Points

• The government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
• All registered companies can benefit from this scheme.
• You can only apply through the government portal directly if you have a minimum of 30 jobs available. However, employers can group together through East Lancashire Chamber to create a minimum of 30 jobs collectively.
• The candidates must be aged between 16-24 and on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
• Businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can apply for £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.