GOV.UK Kickstart Scheme opens for employer applications

The Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for young people.

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.

The 6 month placements 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.

Applications are being accepted now from employers or groups of employers – check the guidance for employers.

WATCH THE GOV.UK VIDEO ON KICKSTART 

READ THE GOV.UK 3 STEP GUIDE

 

MORE DETAILS…

 

Recruitment support

  • Initial consultation with the employer to obtain all relevant information
  • Support in completion of the kickstart funding application and completion of a Job description/Vacancy stencil.
  • Deliver bespoke sector-based training to applicants (Designed to suit the business needs: including relevant occupational and company information, employability skills, skills required for the job etc.)
  • CV / Application form matching and sifting
  • Pre-screening interviews
  • Scheduling and arranging interviews
  • Feedback to candidates

 

In work support

  • A qualified and experienced mentor will be provided to support you and the candidate throughout the placement.
  • Keep in touch with Job Centre Plus on the employer’s behalf.
  • Ensures the candidate is aware of the employer’s health and safety policy
  • Ensures punctuality and attendance by the candidate is adhered to.
  • Provide support to the employer in completing relevant paperwork.
  • Provide support to the employer in any disciplinary matters.
  • Source any training required.
  • Regularly review the progress of the candidate.

 

Employability support

We will also provide a dedicated employability adviser to support your kickstart employee with the following:

  • Help to set personal employment goals, which we will regularly review
  • One-to-one appointments for careers information, advice and guidance
  • Support with job searches, completing applications, CVS and covering letters
  • Regular contact time with your mentor / coach
  • Support to receive benefits advice if needed
  • Support with interviews and interview techniques
  • Guidance to gain skills relevant to your chosen career
  • Advice and guidance on finding courses to update skills and offer opportunities to gain relevant qualifications

 

Evidence requirements for a claim

Complete a registration form

  • A signed declaration between employer and employee at the start of the programme
  • A monthly timesheet
  • Copies of pay slips
  • A monthly invoice

 

Route map for employing a Kickstart participant

Stage 1 Complete and return your Kickstart registration form & supply a job description.

 
Stage 2 Application submitted to Job Centre Plus for approval by your LA.

 
Stage 3 Work Placements advertised through Job Centre Plus and candidates put forward to the LA.

 
Stage 4 Your local authority will screen all candidates who have expressed an interest in your position and will send you up to 3 candidates.

 
Stage 5 Local Authority who will arrange / set up interviews.
Stage 6 Complete starter form with successful candidates’ details and start date and forward to the Local Authority.

How the funding is paid

Each participant will be paid the national minimum wage for their age for at least 25 hours per week. Below are the minimum wage rates by age:

AGE 26 WEEKS AT 25 HOURS PW TOTAL
16-17 £4.55 x 25 = 113.75pw

113,75 x 26 = £2,957.50

 £2,957.50
18-20 £6.45 x 25 = £161.25pw

£161.25 x 26 = £4,192.50

 £4,192.50

 
21-24 £8.20 x 25 = £205.00 pw

£205 x 26 = £5,330.00

 £5,330.00
  • You will receive initial setup costs of £1000 when you have confirmed the young person has started work and is enrolled on your payroll and is being paid through PAYE.
  • DWP will use information from HMRC to check that the young person is still employed and will pay the grant in arrears (approx. 2 months behind) through the intermediary and then payment will be made to you.
  • DWP may contact you or the young person during the job placement to check what employability support has been offered by intermediary. This is to make sure the young person has the best experience from the scheme

For further information telephone a Ways to Work adviser on 07795826703

Or email employment.team@knowsley.gov.uk