The Kickstart Scheme is aimed at 16 to 24 year olds, on Universal Credit and registered with a work coach, who may find it more challenging to access the world of work. The scheme provides 6 month placements, at 25 hours per week at minimum wage (dependant on age) – although the employer can offer more hours and cover the additional cost. The total grant available from the scheme is £6,500, which pays for the wages and the on-costs such as NI etc.
In addition, there is a further £1,500 payable to the employers for them to provide wrap-around employability support – this can be either in-house or the employer can pay for the support to be delivered. Whichever way, you will need to be able to evidence what the support is and the impact/benefits to the employee. Norfolk Chambers is currently talking to various training providers and others about a suite of support options to make it easier for the employers to provide the wrap-around employability support.
To qualify for a Kickstart placement – the business must be able to demonstrate that this role is additional. The placement is for 6 months, at the end of that period, you can either take that person on, apply for an apprenticeship or replace them with another placement for a further 6 months.
As a Kickstart Scheme Gateway, we can support local businesses to apply for Kickstart funding. The Norfolk Chambers will gather the information needed to submit an online application and if your application is approved, assist you with the process, provide guidance and pass on the relevant payments made by the DWP to you, the employer.
If your business wishes to take part in this scheme, you will need to advise how many placements and the type of placement. To apply, please complete the below application form.
We will submit the cohort to the DWP and notify you of the submission day. The DWP are quoting up to 30 days for a response on the cohort applications.
If your application is successful, a grant funding agreement will be issued and you must return the signed funding agreement and provide a detailed job description for the position. Candidates via the DWP will then apply for the job placements and you can choose who to employ. Please note, you will only obtain funding if you appoint a young person that DWP have introduced.
For more information on what happens following the submission of the cohort to DWP – click here.
If you have any questions on the Kickstart Scheme, or need help completing the application form, please contact:
Charlotte Upcraft: [email protected]
Nova Fairbank: [email protected]
Or call: 01603 625977
