The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is an excellent way to support young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment owing to coronavirus. By providing funding for employers of all sizes to create job roles for a 6-month period, and further funding to help develop young people’s employability skills for sustained employment, the Kickstart Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to expand their workforce and make a difference.
For organisations to get involved, roles will need to be specifically created for the scheme, in addition to the existing organisation. The roles will need to show how a young person will be supported and prepared for future work opportunities, in order to be approved for the scheme. When approved, the job will be advertised within the Department for Work and Pensions framework, for candidates to apply for. The funding will cover a 25-hour week salary, associated employer National Insurance contributions, pension contribution, and £1500 job training and support for work search preparation.
I am very pleased that the Government has taken this innovative step to help protect young people’s employment after a difficult few months for so many. With the scheme open to join until December 2021, and young people able to benefit until Summer 2022, I urge all businesses and organisations in North Oxfordshire to embrace the chance to help young people secure employment and strengthen their work force.
Further information about the scheme, including details on funding, how to apply, and the opportunity to become a kickstart gateway organisation, visit: https://kickstart.campaign.gov.uk/.
