Fri 03 / 12 / 21
What's the latest with the Kickstart Scheme?
Sandra Murphy of 1626 Ltd shares an update on the government's Kickstart programme - including its new extension date, and a reminder of how businesses can get involved.
By Sandra Murphy of 1626 Ltd
The Kickstart scheme, launched at the end of 2020, has now successfully delivered employment for over 100,000 young people in placements across the UK. And the good news is that the deadline for getting involved has been extended.
Businesses now have until midday on Friday 17 December to make an application, either direct to the DWP, or via a Gateway Organisation – someone who can make the application on your behalf. The DWP are expecting a rush of applications as we near the deadline so our advice to any employers who want to get involved is don’t wait until 17 December, do it now!
They’ve also shared with us that screening of applications will be strict and that prospective employers demonstrating a clear understanding of the purpose of the scheme are more likely to be successful. So here’s a few reminders of what the scheme’s about:
- It’s about providing 18-24 year olds with 6 months meaningful experience which will improve their employment – and life - options longer term
- It’s about providing entry level jobs – be realistic in what you ask for, you’re unlikely to find someone with 5 years plus experience who’s eligible for the scheme!
- It’s about employers being prepared to give their time training and supervising the right person
If your application is successful, you now have until 31 March 2022 to find the right person. And, you’ll receive funding from the Government, at National Minimum Wage, for 25 hours per week for 26 weeks. Employer NI and Pension contributions are also included and a one-off grant to help with any set up costs is also provided.
So what does success look like?
We’ve worked with employers across the UK, firstly to help with their applications and then, once they’ve found the right candidate, to support their placement. Some Kickstarters having come to the end of their placements, have been offered and accepted permanent posts. For employers, they’ve benefitted from a six month, fully funded, probation period. They now know exactly who they’re taking on.
Others, despite being offered jobs have declined having now gained sufficient experience – and self-belief – to look for other opportunities. One employer – whilst disappointed that her Kickstarter turned down her job offer – took full credit for the transformation from ‘not sure what I want and don’t believe I’m good enough’ to ‘I know what I want and I believe I can get it’ in her Kickstarter and said goodbye with some pride!
And next steps?
If you’re thinking about taking on a Kickstart, make an application now. And if there’s any youngsters in your network, aged 18-24, claiming, or eligible to claim, Universal Credit, there’s some great placements available. Get them to contact their Work Coach or look on https://www.gov.uk/find-a-job to see what’s out there.
Sandra Murphy runs 1626 Ltd, with 25 years' experience in setting up, running or working for SMEs, she has expertise across sales, marketing, finance, operations and HR - and helps owners and businesses to understand, and work through, operational hiccups whilst growing a business. Find out more here.
For more information on local Kickstart gateway organisations, and other ways of sourcing talent for your business, head over to the Chamber's Business Support page:
If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk