The UK Government have introduced a new Kickstart Scheme that provides funding to employers to create new 6-month paid work placements for young people (aged 16-24) who are currently on Universal Credit.

The Kickstart Scheme aims to create new, fully funded jobs across the UK. Funding will cover:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week (giving employers the option to top up these payments)
• The associated employer National Insurance contributions
• Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

There will be extra funding to help young people move into sustained employment after they’ve completed their 6-month placement under the Scheme.

The Kickstart scheme was announced in July as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs, a package to support youth unemployment, which includes tripling the number of traineeships, incentivising employers to hire more apprentices through a £2,000 payment to employers for every apprentice they hire under the age of 25 and investing in our National Careers Service so people can receive bespoke advice on training and work.

Kickstart Scheme: https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart/

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir8OkmPy9YA&feature=youtu.be

Learn: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

Apply: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-grant-through-the-kickstart-scheme