Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a month ago the introduction of a £2bn “kickstart scheme” to create more jobs for young people and with the announcement originally stating applications to be open in August, it’s time to understand what you need to do as an employer.
The scheme is part of the government’s emergency plan to prevent mass unemployment in the UK because of Coronavirus. Historically, youths are those hit hardest by an economic downturn and this £2bn scheme has been created for those specifically aged between 16 and 24 and at risk of long-term unemployment.
In short, the Government wants employers to create 6 month work placements for these young people and they will cover the wages, paying the employers directly, based on a 25 hour week at a rate of the National Minimum Wage along with National Insurance and pension contributions. Employers can “top up” this wage, if they wish.
The Kickstart Scheme will directly pay employers to create new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment… These will be decent jobs – with a minimum of 25 hours per week paid at least the National Minimum Wage. And they will be good quality jobs – with employers providing Kickstarters with training and support to find a permanent job.
Rishi Sunak, Chancellor
However, as with any new scheme, the details haven’t yet been finalised and we don’t yet know if there are limitations on who is eligible, the number of placements, what the employer commits to, the start date or indeed much else. What is certain though, is that each employer needs to consider the scheme not as free labour, but as a chance to provide a young workforce with the skills, training and support needed to succeed.
In order for employers to provide this training, they really need to understand the youth market, which is why we have asked Jack Parsons, an award-winning young entrepreneur, and subject expert on youth (known as the UK’s Chief Youth Officer) to join our Live Virtual conference line-up to provide the insight and expertise needed for this scheme, and beyond, to be a success.
Jack will be presenting on 15th September at 2PM (BST). Join his session, by registering for free below.
Register for FREE now!
Simply fill in your details and nearer the event date, we will send you a link that will provide you with a carefully matched agenda, specific to you, based on your preferences, using a very clever algorithm. Snazzy, right?!
