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Kickstart Scheme – Expressions of interest

As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for young people.  To access the scheme, an employer must provide 30 placements which is likely to be a challenge for many local authorities.

To overcome this potential barrier, EMC are looking to co-ordinate Kickstart applications on behalf of Authorities in the East Midlands and become a representative organisation for the Scheme. Therefore, we are collecting expressions of interest from any Authority that would like to participate in the Scheme and become part of this group so that the 30 placements can be provided through our collective offer.     

When considering if your Authority is able to support a job placement, it’s important to remember that the placement should support a young person to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.  EMC can also support councils with the aspects of the scheme relating to supporting those on placements with CV and interview preparations and support with skills development.  Below is a summary of further information on the Scheme.

Should you wish to express an interest, please send me an email to suzanne.boultby@emcouncils.gov.uk  by Friday 16 October (if you have already expressed an interest with myself or Sam, you do not need to do this again)

Kickstart Scheme

Information about the job placement:

  • Employers must offer a 6-month paid job placement.
  • Placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
  • Placements must be for a minimum of 25 hours.
  • Participants must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group.
  • Placements must be new jobs and not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause employees to lose or reduce their employment (this includes apprentices or contractors).
  • 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.
  • Kickstart is not an Apprenticeship, but participants may move on to an apprenticeship at any time during, or after their job placement.
  • Applications must be for a minimum of 30 job placements – East Midlands Councils will co-ordinate this on behalf of the group of Authorities and become the representative organisation.
  • Scheme is currently open for one year (the Government may extend the Scheme).

Funding available for each placement:

  • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week.
  • Associated employer National Insurance contributions.
  • Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
  • £1500 per placement towards set-up costs, support, and training.

Each placement application should include how the Authority will:

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