What is Kickstart?
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
-
100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending 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 spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.
Further funding is available to provide support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.
How the scheme works
You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.
Kickstart is not an apprenticeship, but participants may move on to an apprenticeship at any time during, or after their job placement.
The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:
replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment
LHG Academy will work with you to help participants develop their skills and experience, including:
-
support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
-
support with CV and interview preparations
-
supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork