New 'Kickstart' Scheme open to employers

The government has announced that the Kickstart Scheme is now open. Employers can apply for a grant to create new six month job placements for eligible young people. 

Which employers are eligible?

The scheme is open to any organisation but there are important restrictions that apply to placements. The funding must create new jobs and can't, for example, replace existing or planning vacancies or result in employees or contractors losing their jobs or having their hours cut.

In addition, the roles must:

• be for a minimum of 25 hours per week for six months
• be paid at least the NMW for their age group
• not need extensive training to begin the job placement

How to apply

You can only directly apply to the government for funding if you're creating 30 or more placements. 

If you are creating fewer than this, you have to find other organisations to partner with until you have a combined total of 30 or more placements. You can approach other businesses direct or register your interest in partnering with others via your local chamber or commerce, trade body or local authority. The government also has a list of regional contacts that you might find useful.

You must set out details of the job placements and where they will take place. Plus, you must show how you will help young people develop their skills and experience, including providing support to:

• look for long term work, including career advice ,helping them set appropriate goals, writing a CV and preparing for an interview
• develop basic skills, such as good attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once you've created a job placement, it can be taken up by another young person, once the first successful applicant has completed their six month term.

How quickly will your application be processed?

The government aims to respond within one month.

How much will you receive?

If you are successful, you receive a letter and a grant agreement. You must sign and return the grant agreement before any job placements can begin.

For each job placement you will receive funding to cover:

• 100% of the relevant NMW for 25 hours a week
• the associated NI contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

You will receive initial set up costs once you have confirmed that the young person has started work, is on your payroll and is paid via PAYE. Payments are made in arrears and the Department for Work and Pensions will use information from HMRC to check the young person is still employed.

Note: you will only receive funding if you appoint a young person the government has introduced (see below).

How do we select suitable candidates?

The government will find young people who meet the eligibility requirements and match the skills you need (as set out in the job description). The young people will then apply to you, and you can decide who to appoint.

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