The Plan for Jobs has introduced new support for FIS members to take on 16-24 for initial six months from the Government’s new Kick-start scheme.  The new £2 billion Kickstart scheme is designed to help employers to create new jobs for those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.  There is no cap on the number of places per employer.

Funding will be available for each six month job placement and will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week and employers will be able to top this wage up.

Companies who take part in the scheme will have to prove that the jobs they are making available to applicants are new, are not replacing any already existing jobs and are ‘above and beyond any jobs they were expecting to create’.  Employers will be required to provide training and support for the kick starter to find a permanent job, in early August the Chancellor said ‘If employers meet the conditions, government will pay young people’s wages for six months, plus an amount to cover overheads.’

Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:

  • support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
  • support with CV and interview preparations
  • supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

Applications are being accepted now directly from employers able to offer 30 or more placements.

In addition to the wage support, there is £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, you cannot apply directly. You must partner with other organisations in order to create a minimum of 30 job placements before applying .  These organisations could include:

  • similar employers
  • local authorities
  • trade bodies
  • registered charities

FIS has now been approved by The Department of Work and Pensions to act as a gateway for employers who cannot provide 30 placements, but are keen to benefit from the scheme.  If you are interested in taking on some young people on this basis we want to hear from you, please email info@thefis.org indicating your interest and the number of places that you would like to offer.

Further Guidance for Employers is available here.

Young people can find out more about the Kickstart Scheme at the jobhelp site here.