The Kickstart Scheme – Closing soon!

The Kickstart Scheme is an initiative introduced by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic.  It provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. At present, employers of all sizes can apply for funding until 17 December 2021.  It covers:

• 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months;
• associated employer National Insurance contributions;
• minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.

Employers can spread the job start dates up until 31 March 2022. They will get funding for 6 months once the young person has started their job.

Further funding is available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.

Applications to the Kickstart Scheme are closing soon though.  After 17 December 2021 employers will not be able to:

• apply for a new Kickstart Scheme grant;
• add more jobs to an existing grant agreement.

If you need help with your application or have queries, you can get assistance here.