BRADFORD firms are being urged to get involved in a £2billion scheme to create new subsidised jobs for under 25s designed to help businesses get moving again.
The Kickstart scheme, which was launched by the Government last week, aims to create hundreds of thousands of fully-subsidised jobs for young people across the country – and local businesses – big and small – are being urged to sign up and reap the rewards.
Businesses keen to get involved and offer placements on the scheme are now able to bid for funding which will see the Government pay one hundred percent of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.
There has already been interest from Bradford companies looking to get involved – and here are the details as to who can apply and how to do so.
Who can apply? – Any business, regardless of size, can apply for funding and the Government is encouraging as many businesses as possible to submit bids.
How many people can I take on? – There is no limit to the number of Kickstart places a business can offer through the scheme, and you can create just one Kickstart role if that’s what works for your business. However all Kickstart roles must be new, quality and cannot be used to fill existing or planned vacancies.
How do I apply? – If you are recruiting more than 30 people as part of the Kickstart Scheme you can submit a bid directly online. If you are looking to recruit fewer than 30 people you apply through an intermediary. Intermediaries can be other businesses, local authorities, trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and charities.
Once successful, how do businesses recruit? – Young people will be enrolled on the Kickstart scheme by their jobcentre Work Coach, and then matched up with vacancies that are suitable for them. Kickstart applicants will then go through the company’s normal interview process.
Minister for employment Mims Davies MP said: “This innovative scheme is mutually beneficial for local employers, who get new access to an enormous pool of potential, and the young recruits will gain vital experience, confidence and a crucial boost to their career credentials.”
Jane Gratton of British Chambers of Commerce said: “The Kickstart Scheme will help firms create and support thousands of opportunities for young people, maintaining their access to the job market and driving the UK’s economic recovery.
“Chambers of Commerce, rooted in local business communities, will be working hard to connect up employers and young people, so that every opportunity to use the Kickstart Scheme is taken.”
For more information and full details on how to apply visit gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme.
