The Kickstart Scheme, announced by the Chancellor in July’s Summer Statement, is launched today.

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

The Kickstart Scheme is grant funding to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Rather than being a commitment to future employment, the job placements are intended to support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

What is being funded?

Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

The roles must be:

• a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
• paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
• should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

Who can apply?

Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.

The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:

• replace existing or planned vacancies
• cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements. Businesses unable to offer this many job placements can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number. A representative applying on behalf of a group of employers can get £300 of funding to support with the associated administrative costs of bringing together these employers.

How to apply?

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly: Start your application

Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:

• support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
• support with CV and interview preparations
• supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

If you are creating fewer than 30 job placements, you will need to partner with other organisations. You can contact your local Jobcentre Employer Partnership team for help getting a representative.