Further to Norfolk Chambers recent announcement that we were unfortunately closing to new Kickstart applications at the end of September 2021, we are delighted that, as a result of the Chancellor’s surprise announcement yesterday (04 October), we are now able to remain open to new Kickstart applications.
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced at the Conservative Party Conference, that the DWP Kickstart Scheme would be extended by a further 3 months to March 2022. The Kickstart Scheme delivers funding for employers offering new job roles for 16-24 years old who are currently in receipt of Universal Credit.
This announcement means that the DWP and Gateways like ourselves, can continue to support young people into jobs and can continue to support and build the skills, knowledge and experience of young people at risk of long-term unemployment well into 2022. We can also continue to support employers to access the young people to fill their Kickstart placements.
The Chancellor announced that with the support of employers across the UK, including those in Norfolk, over 76,900 young people have now started in their Kickstart job with 3,600 continuing to start in roles each week. Employers across Great Britain have created over 295,000 Kickstart jobs so that young people can find a job that is right for them.
In Norfolk alone, the scheme has been extremely well supported by the Norfolk business community with nearly 1,400 placements being created by local employers across the county, which is fantastic news. However, it does take time to recruit young people into these roles, and as a result, the extended deadline gives employers more time to find the most suitable candidates for their current live Kickstart vacancies. In addition, the revised deadline allows for new applications to the Kickstart Scheme from employers and variations from Gateway organisations until Friday 17 December 2021.
Also announced yesterday, Mr Sunak advised that the £3,000 incentive for employers taking on new apprentices will be extended until the end of January 2022, which is great news for employers wishing to take on their Kickstart placements with an apprenticeship.
For more information, please talk to the Norfolk County Councils Apprenticeship Team [email protected]. Or Apprenticeships Norfolk https://apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org/contact-us.
We look forward to continuing to support you. If you have any questions, please contact Charlotte Upcraft via [email protected]
