South Swindon MP Robert Buckland is urging employers across the town to sign up to the government’s landmark new Kickstart scheme and help young people into work.
The £2billion scheme has been designed to ensure young people at risk of long-term unemployment have a future of opportunity and hope by creating quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK, helping to spur the country’s economic recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the scheme, announced in June as part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, employers that sign up will be able to offer youngsters aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the government.
This means the government will pay 100% of the young person’s age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to.
The government will also pay the employer £1,500 for each young person they take on, to support any training or associated costs like uniforms they might incur when setting up the scheme.
The scheme will initially be open until December 2021, but there is the option for it to be extended.
Young people will be referred into the new roles through their Jobcentre Plus work coach, with the first Kickstarts expected to begin at the start of November.
Commenting, Robert Buckland MP said, “Since becoming MP for South Swindon in 2010, I have worked hard to tackle youth unemployment in the town and pre COVID this had gone down by 61.3%
“We have many bright young people here in Swindon and I am determined that despite the economic cost of COVID, they are given the opportunities they deserve and the chance to succeed through the Government’s Plan for Jobs, which includes this scheme and new government cash incentives for employers to take on apprentices.”
Commenting, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said, “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.
“The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”
Commenting, Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said,“Kickstart is the most ambitious youth employment programme in this country’s history, with an unlimited number of placements available and a commitment by this government to pay every Kickstarter’s wages for six months.
“We are putting young people at the heart of our recovery by investing in potential, opening up opportunities and harnessing hope.
“Together we will build back better, come back stronger and look forward to a prosperous future.
“Employers should sign up today.”
