UPDATE – Unfortunately, the Kickstart Scheme has now ended.

Check out our Funding page for other support available for businesses hiring new talent.

—————————

As part of the government’s new Plan for Jobs, it has announced a new £2 billion fund called the Kickstart Scheme.

This scheme is aimed to assist those 16-24-year-olds who have lost their jobs due to the negative economic impact of coronavirus. This has seen the number of young people claiming Universal Credit double in the last three months, meaning that under 25-year-olds now make up over a fifth of all claimants.

The Kickstart Scheme will try and reduce the number of young people on Universal Credit whilst supporting those businesses who are trying their best to keep going in difficult circumstances.

The scheme will offer to cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week for 6 months for every 16-24 year old that your business employs who is signed on to Universal Credit.

In order to claim the funding, you have to prove that the job is new, additional and of good quality. This quality is determined by you being able to offer training and support such that, even if you cannot keep them on after the 6 month funding period, they will be better prepared to find a job once they leave than before they started.

Ready to Apply for the Kickstart Scheme?

Find out more information about The Kickstart Scheme, how to apply and how we can help.

Applications for the Kickstart Scheme are now open – apply today!

We also have a list of Kickstart FAQs.