COVID 19 - Kick Start Scheme
28 September 2020
The Kickstart scheme is a £2bn fund launched by the government on 22 September 2020, which provides funding to employers who create 6-month work placements for those aged between 16 and 24 at risk of long- term unemployment.
- Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding, but 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
- Funding is available following a successful application process, but applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements.
- If you’re creating fewer than 30 job placements, you cannot apply directly and will need to use a Kickstart Gateway to make your application.
- Employers will receive funding for
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus
- associated employer National Insurance contributions and
- employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
- An additional £1500 per job placement is available for setup costs, support and training.
- More information is contained in the employer guidance.
Aspire Comment
Whilst this new scheme will be of interest to larger employers looking to recruit over 30 new jobs, smaller businesses that have been severely affected by Covid-19 may be put off by the additional effort required to identify and collaborate with other businesses to assist them with the application process at a time when they are trying to keep their businesses afloat.
We are working with a number of clients with employment guidance, such as recruitment, onboarding as well as restructuring, redundancies, home working and absence policies. Please get in touch with one of our advisors on 0121 445 6178 or email enquire@aspirepartnership.co.uk for a chat to see how we can support you and your business.