Chamber urges firms to capitalise on Kickstart scheme

Businesses only have a couple of months left to get involved in the government 's Kickstart scheme which aims to help firms recover from the effects of the pandemic whilst offering vital work experience to 16 to 24-year olds.

The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund set up to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality 6-month work placements aimed at those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce CEO, Sara Williamson (pictured) said: “The benefit of upskilling this generation of workers is priceless as we look to recovery from the pandemic and to making the Staffordshire economy fit for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“The job placements are designed to support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme. Hopefully, many participants will prove their worth and become valued employees of their host companies. ”

Funding is available for 100 percent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance Contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support, and training.

One Kickstart place supported by the scheme was 22-year-old Jordan Wilcox started work at Stafford based manufacturer Getley UK in February.

Getley UK managing director Paul Bryan said: “Since the first lockdown we have seen an unprecedented demand for our products as consumers took the opportunity to upgrade their kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms.

“We saw the Kickstart scheme as an opportunity to bring in someone to help us cope with the demand and also as a way of providing an opportunity and vital work experience for a young person. The pandemic has been especially tough on young people and so we wanted to play our small part in addressing this situation.

“Jordan is working in the assembly team starting off with general building work and labouring. He is fitting in well and is keen to learn. If the current demand for our products continues, we will consider options for a permanent position at the end of the six-month placement.

If you are interested in a Kickstart placement you can contact the Chamber: [email protected] or call 01782 202222