FIS has published a number of articles explaining the government-funded Kickstart scheme which was officially launched on 2 September 2020.  The scheme is aimed at helping unemployed young people aged 16-24 get a foothold on the career ladder by funding six-month job placements.  Under the scheme, funding will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. 

One of the elements of this scheme is that applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements.  FIS recognise this is likely to be too many for the majority of our members and as such, we are delighted to advise we have been approved to act as an intermediary on behalf of you, our members and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

As an intermediary, we are able to amalgamate all requests and submit a consolidated bid on your behalf. 

To make it as seamless as possible for you to engage with the scheme, FIS will be playing an active part in working with DWP to select the best and most suitable people available.  We can help you to access the £1,500 per job placement fund to cover the initial set up costs and the costs of training and support.  FIS will be there to support you and your organisation through the Kickstart process from beginning to end. 

We urge you to support this initiative and give unemployed young people a chance.  There is no obligation to employ individuals after the work placement has concluded.  Even if you don’t think you’ll be in a position to employ anyone for the next 6 months, you can still give someone an opportunity to train and develop, at no cost to yourself or your organisation and perhaps help them secure a career in construction.

Further information is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-grant-through-the-kickstart-scheme but if you do have any questions, or would like to discuss your organisations specific requirements please give our Skills and Training Coordinator, Paul Glover a call on 07975 759378.