The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme launched in September and is now open to any employer.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year olds. Employers looking to create job placements for young people could apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

The scheme can be used to create new 6 months job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support them to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

The DWP has produced a guide for employers which covers the detail about the scheme.

Funding available for each job will cover the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There will also be funding available to support young people to develop new skills and to help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job. Through the scheme, you’ll be able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity.

The scheme will initially prioritise young people aged between 16 and 24 who are ready for an opportunity and will be supported by their Jobcentre Plus work coach to enrol in the scheme.

Can any employer apply for Kickstart fund?

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart scheme, you can submit your application below:

Submit your application to Kickstart scheme

Employers with less than 30 placements

If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 Kickstart job placements, you must partner with others which could include: similar employers, local authorities, trade bodies, registered charities.

List of Intermediaries to apply for Kickstart Scheme grant on behalf of yourself

What costs will the funding cover for an employer?

Each job will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. On top of the wage subsidy, £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

What else do I need to know?

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

The roles you are bidding for must be:

  • a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
  • paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
  • should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

Further information

Guidance information

Last updated: Wed 11th November, 2020 @ 13:42