The UK government has announced a ‘Kickstart Job Scheme’ that provides grants to employers to create job placements for 16-24 years old on Universal Credit. As part of the Summer Economic Statement, the Government has introduced this £2 billion scheme to create more jobs for young individuals. The scheme will fund 6-month work placements for 16-24-year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Employers of all sizes can apply for subsidy which covers:
• 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage dependent on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months• associated employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Employers can start informing about the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021 (with the option of being extended). The scheme will function from August 2020. It will cover England, Scotland and Wales: and more funding will be made available for a similar scheme in Northern Ireland.
One can apply for a Kickstart Scheme for a minimum of 30 job placements.
Additional funding is available for training and support so that young individuals who have applied for the scheme can get a job in the future.