The Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme is a new Government initiative to create new 6-month job placements for 16-24 year olds who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements will support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.  The scheme is available for employers to apply until December 2021.

Current up to date information from the Government is available online here.

Funding for each job placement

Funding is available following a successful application process and covers:

  • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
  • the associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
  • £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

What is a Gateway Organisation

Those organisations unable to offer the 30+ minimum job placement numbers can apply to join the scheme through a local Gateway organisation.  In Somerset there are several options, Somerset County Council is acting as the Kickstart Gateway for the public sector and their suppliers. Private businesses and the third sector organisations can access the scheme through Somerset Chamber of Commerce or the Federation of Small Businesses.

Non Somerset businesses can find representatives via the Government list.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together this FAQ document to answer all the questions you may have about the scheme Frequently Asked Questions

Training support providers

Offer their services in supporting Kickstart placement training and support.  They work as a brokerage to resources available some of which is free resource and are specialists within Somerset at supporting Young People to access employment.      Find out More

  SSW is a programme developed to upskill employees within small and medium businesses in Somerset.   Kickstart work placements are eligible for this funded training alongside your workforce*. This must be led by you (their employer) as the programme aims to look at skills needs across your workforce and tailor training to help achieve your business goals.  *subject to eligibility.       FIND OUT MORE

Expression of interest

If you would like to apply via Somerset County Council simply complete the following form. 

Our next submission will be mid/end of January, depending on when we have registered 30 workplace vacancies.  

Please note it takes at least a month for the processing of an application form .

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Further Details
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In 400 words describe the support the £1500 will pay for and a brief role/s outline

 

 

Terms and Conditions

The Kickstart Scheme job placements must be:

  • 6 months and at least 25 hours per week
  • paying at least the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on participants age) through PAYE
  • paying the statutory employer duties for the health, safety and welfare for young people, National Insurance and pension contributions
  • including support for young people to help them get work after they finish their Kickstart Scheme job

The Kickstart Scheme job placements must:

  • be funded by the Kickstart Scheme grant and would not exist without this funding
  • be paid from the grant money for the 25 hours per week on National Minimum Wage (employers can pay a higher wage and pay for more hours)
  • not replace existing or planned jobs
  • not cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

Your organisation:

  • has the legal authority to participate in the Kickstart Scheme, is financially solvent and has not been the subject of any judgement for fraud, corruption or illegal activity

  • understands an application does not in any way signify eligibility for Kickstart Scheme funding or confirm that a grant will be approved or provided

  • consents for your data to be held and used by Somerset County Council in relation to the Kickstart scheme

Once Somerset County Council have over 30 EOI's we will contact you to clarify any further details required by the scheme.  Please note it takes at least a month to process an application with the DWP

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