LWA Blog: Everything you need to know about the government’s Kickstart Scheme

The impact on the UK economy and unemployment levels as a result of Covid-19 has been devastating. Whilst the Job Retention Scheme has helped many people to stay in employment, more than a third of employers are planning on making redundancies when the scheme ends on 31st October. Coupled with important examinations being cancelled over the summer, the prospects for young people could be uninspiring. The government’s kickstart scheme has been created to support employers in hiring 16-24 year olds with fully funded 25 week job placements. Read on below for all the details on how your business could benefit.

What are the criteria of scheme?

You will be entitled to 100% funding covering the relevant national minimum wage plus employer National Insurance Contributions and minimum automatic enrolment contributions for the scheme as follows:

• New job roles created for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit
• 6-month placements for 25 hours per week
• You must be able to hire 30 candidates or you can be part of a Cohort to qualify for the funding

What is a Kickstart Scheme Cohort?

Being part of a Cohort takes the pressure off companies that cannot make 30 new job placements, which means you can still benefit from the scheme by hiring only the number of young staff you need. The cohort will support you in claiming the funding for your new hires should they qualify for the scheme.

There are a number of business community organisations that are setting up cohorts allowing their member companies to benefit from the scheme. For the Cheshire area, Warrington Business Exchange are one such organisation.

You can find out how to join by contacting Jackie Emson on 01925 443294 / 07740 075785 or emailing her at jackie.emson@warringtonandco.com, alternatively you can email employmentdevelopmentteam@warrington.gov.uk for further information.

More about the Kickstart Scheme at Gov.uk

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded job.

To find out more about the government’s Kickstart Scheme, watch the official Gov.uk video for employers.

We hope the above information helps you to understand the Kickstart Scheme and how you could benefit. For all of our other advisory blogs if your business has been impacted by Coronavirus, please take a look at our website, or please contact our team in Warrington on 01925 830 830 or in South Manchester on 0161 905 1801, who will be happy to help.