As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.
Jonathan has welcomed the 6-month placements which are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. The first placements are likely to be available from November.
There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.
Employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
Speaking about the scheme, Jonathan said:
After such a challenging period for all of us, but especially for young people including school and university leavers, it is so important that we do all we can to help these youngsters get experience of the workplace and their first opportunity in work.
This Kickstart program will mean more opportunities for young people and I further welcome an increase in support for apprenticeships and investment in local career services.
After years of falling youth unemployment it is so sad that that the covid-19 pandemic and the necessary lockdown have seen these figures spike once more. I will continue to lobby the government to do everything possible to turn these figures around.
This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.
The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.