The Government’s Kickstart scheme is a great opportunity for businesses, but establishing your own kickstart scheme eligibility can feel far from straightforward.
The scheme helps young people on to the career ladder, while providing funding and growth opportunities for businesses. We are breaking down exactly what the scheme involves, the benefits of the scheme and how your business can get involved in the Kickstart scheme.
What is the Kickstart scheme?
The Kickstart scheme was launched by the UK Government last summer as part of its response to the employment crisis that came as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The scheme provides funding for firms to create 6-month placement roles for 16–24-year-olds to help get people into work and develop the skills of the next generation of our workforce.
Initially, only businesses who could offer 30 or more placement roles could establish their kickstart scheme eligibility, but the cap has since been removed meaning that small and medium size firms can get involved.
What kind of role can be created in the Kickstart scheme?
Placements created under the Kickstart scheme must be new jobs with a minimum of 25 hours per week for a 6-month period.
The placements must not replace existing or planned vacancies and must not cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or working hours as a result.
Kickstart placements can be created across all sectors, a terrific opportunity to help close skills gaps and boost the abilities of the future workforce.
What is a Kickstart scheme gateway?
A Kickstart scheme gateway is an approved organisation that supports employers with the Kickstart process.
A gateway can be any type of organisation such as a local authority or trade body.
Before the 30-placement minimum was lifted, a gateway service was able to combine applications from businesses offering under the limit and submit the roles as a unit of 30.
Support available through a gateway can include:
- Helping employers to access funding
- Application support
- Recruitment support
- Administration support
- Offering employability support to young people
What are the benefits of using the Kickstart scheme?
The Kickstart scheme can provide fantastic opportunities for both employers and job seekers alike. Businesses can benefit from:
- Access to funding
- Little or no cost to employers to take on placement roles
- Opportunity to expand team
- Help young people train and gain expertise in your industry
- No commitment to offer permanent roles
Young people applying for the scheme can benefit from:
- Accessible placement opportunities
- Training and development in chosen field
- Gaining industry and workplace insight
- Growing personal network/industry contacts
What kind of funding is available with the Kickstart scheme?
Under the Kickstart scheme, little or no financial contribution is required from the employer. Employers can apply for funding to cover the following areas:
- 100% of National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage
- Any associated employer National Insurance contributions
- Any associated workplace pension contributions
- Training and support requirements
How can I check my eligibility?
Businesses of all sizes can check their Kickstart scheme elgibility.
When submitting an application, you will need the following information to hand:
- Companies House reference number (where applicable)
- Charity Commission number (where applicable)
- Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator number (where applicable)
- Business address
- Business contact details
- Placement description
- Placement location
You will be advised of your kickstart scheme eligibility relatively quickly.
How can I apply?
Applications for the Kickstart scheme can either be made directly or via a gateway service.
To apply direct, businesses can apply online.
To find a suitable gateway, a comprehensive list of approved gateways can be found on the Government website.
For advice about the Kickstart scheme can mean for your business as well as the financial process of accessing funding, please get in touch with our team on hello@itsrelative.co.uk or give us a call on 01484 441431.