How to access the Government's Kickstart scheme and help the next generation

If anyone in my network is considering hiring less than 30 people through the Kickstarter scheme and wants further information - please review below some of the finer points. 

We are putting in an application for a number of our clients, so have looked into this quite heavily. 

On the face of it looks like a fantastic win-win for young unemployed and employers alike. 

The scheme is designed to help young unemployed 18-24-year-olds access, high quality, government subsidised jobs. 

The Government will fully fund each “kickstart” job - paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and Pension Contributions for 25 hours a week. 

These jobs need to be newly created jobs. There are further details on what you need to provide regarding training and development and supporting the placements to be more equipped to secure full-time employment in the future. 

The government will pay salary, Paye and pension contributions for 25 hours per week for 6 months. For candidates who have a birthday which brings them into a higher band during the placement, they will be paid the higher amount throughout. 

Employers can top up this wage, while the government will also pay employers ￡1500 to set up support and training for people on a kickstart placement. 

Companies will receive ￡1500.00 per placement in the 1st week they start the job to put towards training and development and equipment to facilitate the role. 

You will then receive the funds to cover the placement in instalment in arrears. 

The government will advertise the roles for you and use talent scouts to help you find the best candidates for your role. You will get to interview and decide if want to hire each individual. Part of this experience is to make it as close to a real-life situation as possible. 

All hires will be subject to the same HR rules already in the company. 

The scheme is set up for employers in two ways to access the scheme. 

1. If you are able to hire more than 30 people through the scheme straight away you can sign up directly for the government scheme or you can use a representative who will check that your job placements are eligible for the Kickstart Scheme and submit the application for funding on your behalf. 

2. If you are looking to hire under 30 people through the scheme you will need to use a representative who will check that your job placements are eligible for the Kickstart Scheme and submit the application for funding on your behalf.  

We are acting as a representative primarily for companies who fall into the second category however we are able to offer support for larger companies who want to make sure they are compliant and have advise and guidance on accessing the scheme. 

The scheme is still evolving and more information is coming out daily on the finer details.

Want to find out more? Get in touch - [email protected]