The government’s Kickstart Scheme is designed to get unemployed young people back into work as we emerge from this pandemic.
Under the Kickstart Scheme, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) funds any business, charity or organisation to hire a 16–24-year-old for a minimum of 25 hours a week, paying the national living wage for a 6-month period.
Here are the top 5 reasons why your business should take part in this scheme:
1. It can help you recover and thrive
Between December 2020 and February 2021, job vacancies dropped by 26.8%, resulting in 220,000 less jobs. With many businesses cutting positions to save on costs, the Kickstart Scheme is an excellent opportunity to create new positions.
The ability to rebuild quickly and effectively is the key to recovery for many businesses and the Kickstart Scheme provides an opportunity to expand your workforce.
2. It won’t cost your company a penny
The Kickstart Scheme is entirely funded by the DWP. Each month you will be reimbursed for the wage of the Kickstart employee as well as the cost of associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
Additionally, you will receive a grant of up to £1,500 to cover training employability support, IT equipment and software, uniform or Personal Protective Equipment.
3. Applying is easy
Applying for the Kickstart Scheme through WorkAdvisor couldn’t be simpler, because we do it on your behalf.
WorkAdvisor is a DWP-approved Kickstart Gateway organisation and we make it easy for employers to recruit fully funded staff through the Kickstart Scheme. We support you all the way through the Kickstart process from the initial placement bid, through the DWP contractual process and during the 6-month placement itself. We have an excellent track record of success and we’ll ensure you have full confidence that the scheme will work effectively for your business.
WorkAdvisor has also set up a distance learning Employability Skills training programme which adheres to the DWP’s requirement for employees to learn on the job. So, we’ll provide the training and leave you to concentrate on running your business.
4. Provide someone with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience
The roles must be new positions which will then be funded by the DWP. A wide variety of roles will be considered by the DWP, opening up many opportunities for young people to work and gain the crucial on-the-job experience they need to progress on their career path.
Providing the employee with both on-the-job experience and Employability Skills training (see above) will set them up perfectly for their next career step.
5. Support the national effort to rebuild the economy
The unemployment rate rose above 5% in February 2021, with nearly 200,000 16–24-year-olds being unemployed for six months or longer. Re-introducing young people back into the workplace will be crucial in helping businesses grow post-Covid, so by utilising the Kickstart Scheme for your business, you will be aiding the national effort in rebuilding the economy.
Why not apply for the Kickstart Scheme now? To find out more, please contact us.
