A Guide to UK’s Kickstart Scheme
- Brief Background
- Kickstart Scheme Introduction
- Step by Step Process to Apply
- Government and Employers Contributions in Scheme
- How Kickstart Scheme Supports Building Skills?
- Gender and Age Restrictions in Kickstart
- Where the scheme is accessible?
- What are the deadlines to apply?
- Advantages of Kickstart
Brief Background
During the pandemic, youngsters are more likely to work in shutdown sectors or remotely. Whether they are working in hospitality or retail, youth unemployment can be seen 13% much higher. However, lockdown damages every sector at a minor level, but the industries and businesses are also rapidly moving towards digitisation.
During the outspread of COVID-19, the chancellor of the United Kingdom analysed the situation countrywide fully and decided to contribute positivity to the lives of unemployed individuals. Thus, Kickstart Scheme has been announced.
The Kickstart Scheme began with the chancellor’s good intentions and was part of a package of initiatives that included traineeships stipends and incentives for employing apprentices. Particularly young individuals who are in danger of long-term unemployment.
Kickstart Scheme Introduction
Kickstart Scheme has one chief objective to provide the facility of jobs to unemployed individuals and improve the future of employability. However, the scheme especially supports young people between 16 to 24, offering a high-quality job for six months. Furthermore, the job stipend is fully paid by the government at the national minimum wage for at least 25 hours a week.
Young individuals claiming universal credit for work internships that last up to six months will be eligible for Kickstart. The government will fund the entire stipend, as well as NI payments and pension contributions, in a single plan.
Step by Step Process to Apply
If any individual currently claiming universal credit will have to follow an eligibility criterion. One can follow the below-listed steps to apply in the scheme.
- Job Centre/Work Coach
Individuals can communicate directly with a Work Coach about current job openings through the Kickstart Scheme. Individuals who do not currently have a work coach can inquire at their local Job Centre office.
- Join application support workshops/sessions
Participate in sessions to learn more about the Kickstart Scheme, connect with organisations that are recruiting, and figure out how to apply.
- Explore types of positions available
The Kickstart Scheme is open to all industries and is expected to attract a broad spectrum of job applicants from England, Scotland, and Wales. As a result, it is critical to learn more about accessible occupations.
- Keep track of roles where they are being posted?
While there isn’t a single site where you may look for jobs, you can start by looking online and discussing your options with your Work Coach afterwards.
The local Job Centre will find all possible employees through the initiative and provide relevant CVs until you have picked the best applicant.
There is no limit on the number of new workers employers can hire under the program.
Small businesses recruiting more than 30 people can submit a bid directly online through the main Kickstart page.
Large corporates having more than 30 employees can easily bid online without too long a procedure as large corporates can get more advantages via the Kickstart scheme.
Government and Employers Contributions in Scheme
The government of the UK is focusing on the unemployment of youth. On the other hand, the private company employers are getting the chance to hire young talents on behalf of the government offering salaries. However, if employers want to hire an employee permanently or pay more wages, they can pay from their funds.
The government will pay companies £1,500 per Kickstart placement if employers require additional funds for assistance, training, aid, uniforms, setup fees, resources and equipment.
How Kickstart Scheme Supports Building Skills?
These days, companies are concentrating on the industrial required skills to grow their businesses or startups. Thus, the government planned to offer some skill-based training jobs with the leading organisations. The kickstart scheme is meant to help the youngsters to gain experience while working with experts and industry leaders. Also, they will get a chance to work in pressure and hectic environments.
Ultimately, Kickstart is a chance to jumpstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind due to the epidemic. The initiative ensures that a new generation has a brighter future and that the UK recovers stronger as a country.
Gender and Age Restrictions in Kickstart
Men and women working in retail and hospitality significantly impact their wages and employment in the present economic atmosphere. Men and women have nearly identical unemployment rates, with males having a little higher rate than females. Also unemployed are those aged 16 to 24. As a result, both men and women are eligible to participate in the Kickstart Scheme.
Where the scheme is accessible?
The initiative is available to firms from all industries in England, Scotland, and Wales.
What are the deadlines to apply?
Employers can apply until 17 December 2021 for funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.
Employers who applied for a Kickstart Scheme grant before 17 December 2021 and If their application is successful, they can spread the job start dates up until 31 March 2022. They’ll get funding for 6 months once the young person has started their job.
If your application is not successful, you can apply again until 17 December 2021. You cannot apply again after this date.
Advantages of Kickstart
- The scheme is designed to grow the company’s workforce
- Equip companies with extra human resources,
- Hire talents without any cost or wages for the next six months.
- Having the ability to hire additional workers to increase income while not paying them until money begins to flow can be a game-changer.
- Lessening the massive COVID-19 impacts on the economy
- Providing experience of a real job
- Reducing their chances of long-term unemployment
- Boosting skills
Kickstart can be a very effective way for business and industry growth with a new workforce. They can benefit from the extra human resources and defer the cost of doing so for six months. Bloom Financials Kickstart training and support programme has been developed to ensure your company satisfies all compliance criteria for the scheme. Our experts manage your hiring process from start to finish and help to ensure that you only have to deal with the most serious applicants.
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