Could you find useful employment for a young person in your business, and have the costs met 100% by government sponsorship?

What is Kickstart?

The scheme was launched September 2020 and aims to find employers who are willing to take on 16 to 24-year-olds, who are claiming Universal Credit, and at risk of long-term unemployment.

No hidden costs

The government will pay 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Employers can top up these rates at their own cost and offer training and support to find a full-time job. Government will also assist by providing employers up to £1,500 towards the cost of any training and support provided.

Deadline for applications midday, 17 December 2021

If you are interested in this scheme, applications must be lodged by 17 December 2021.
Employers who have an existing application will not be able to add new jobs after this date.
Employers that do make a successful application can spread the job start dates until 31 March 2022.

Find out more

Full details of the scheme and how to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-online-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant

If you are bullish about your business prospects in the coming year, and under-resourced staff-wise, this may be an opportunity to plug that resourcing gap, do so without any monetary impact on your budgets, and provide an opportunity for a young person to find their feet in the world of work.