Expand your team with generous support from Government through a Kickstart Employee and let FIS take away the administrative pain.

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

The new £2 billion Kickstart scheme (a key part of Government’s Plan for Jobs) and has been set up encourage employers to create new jobs for those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

How much funding can I get?

Funding will be available for each six month job placement and will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week (including National Insurance and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions) and an additional £1,500 to support training.

There is no cap on the number of places per employer and as long at the candidate falls into the category of 16-24 and have been claiming Universal Credit, regardless of education level they should be eligible to employ through the scheme.  You are not obligated to employ the kickstarter beyond the period of the placement, the aim is to encourage, support and train the kickstarter and the aspiration is that his will lead to sustained employment within your business. 

How do I access the funding for a Kickstarter?

If you want to take on a new person through the Kickstart scheme FIS is a registered Gateway and will do all the leg work, so you don’t have to, our support is FREE TO MEMBERS.  To get started, simply register your details below and we will make contact and get the ball rolling.

FIS are approved by The Department of Work and Pensions to act as a gateway for employers.  All of our support is FREE to members because we want this scheme to be as simple as possible for you.  If you are interested in taking on some young people, we want to hear from you, please complete this form indicating your interest and the number of places that you would like to offer.

Background to the Kickstart Scheme

The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme is part of the Government Plan for Jobs and provides support for employers to create job placements for 16–24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

If you are an employer looking to create job placements for young people and introduce new talent into your company and the sector, you can access grants to help with this as part of the Government funded Kickstart Scheme.

Funding will be available for each six-month job placement and will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week. (including National Insurance and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions). In addition to the wage support, there is £1,500 available per job placement available to help with setup costs, support and training.  Employers can apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant by directly, but FIS has set up a free facility to support and help manage Kickstart within your business.

As a gateway, FIS will (for no charge) help you develop information about the job placements you would like to offer, share this information with DWP on your behalf and pay the funding to you.

If you are interested in taking on some young people onto the Kickstart Scheme, we want to hear from you.  Please complete our  expression of interest form with your contact details and the number of places that you would like to offer.

For further information and get started please contact Catherine Bullough (Skills & Training Co-ordinator) on 0121 707 0077 or