A guide to the Kickstart Scheme
Taking on a new employee is a big step and a big risk for many small businesses and this scheme is designed to reduce the risk for employers, and create an opportunity for local, young people who are seeking employment.
I very much hope many businesses in North Devon will take part and help to kickstart our local economy and reduce the number looking for work as we emerge from the pandemic.
More about the Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme helps young people at risk of long term unemployment move into the job market by providing government funding for employers for the first six months of a new job.
Employers of all sizes and from all sectors can be funded to offer new roles. Further funding is available so employers can support young people to develop their skills and to help them move into sustained employment. If an employer is looking to employ less than 30 young people, they access the scheme through a Kickstart Gateway, larger employers can access directly: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-grant-through-the-kickstart-scheme.
Applications for the scheme are now open with it commencing November 2020. The last placements will start in December 2021 with the scheme ending in Summer 2022.
For each job the funding will cover:
- Salary for 25 hours a week paid at relevant NMW rate
- Associated employer National Insurance contribution
- Employer minimum automatic enrolment pension contribution
- £1500 grant for job training and support for work search preparation
There is more information on gov.uk/kickstart
Finding your Kickstart Gateway
There are two Kickstart Gateway providers covering Devon. Businesses may have a preference having used one of the organisations before, but you can certainly contact them both and see who you feel would work best for you.
As employers will not be charged to use these gateways, but you may wish to use part of your £1500 additional grant to secure the appropriate level of training services through them, particularly the element focused on employment skills and work search preparation.
The Kickstart Northern Devon local Gateway
barnstaplechamber.co.uk/kickstart
Devon & Plymouth Chamber
Any sector
Devon
01752 220471
The Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses (FSB)
The FSB are also acting a national Gateway provider and more information on how they can help can be found on their website:
https://www.fsb.org.uk/campaign/kickstart-scheme.html
If you have any problems do let me know and I am happy to escalate any concerns or problems for you.