On 2 September 2020, the Government’s £2 billion Kickstart scheme opened for employer applications.
The scheme allows young people on Universal Credit, between the ages of 16-24, to be offered six-month work placements with their wages paid by the Government.
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 per week. Employers will have the opportunity to top up this wage. The Government will also pay employers £1500 to set up support and training for the young people that they employ under the scheme.
Employers can find more information about the Kickstart scheme here.