Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 7 February 2021

DR. LUKE EVANS, Hinckley and Bosworth’s Member of Parliament, is calling on employers in the area to join thousands of other businesses in signing up and joining the Government’s flagship Kickstart scheme.

The programme was first launched back in September 2020 as a part of the Government’s ‘Plans for Jobs’ scheme to offer a six-month work experience placement for those between the ages of 16 and 24 on Universal Credit.

Starting this month (February), the pre-existing ’30 vacancies minimum’ threshold will be removed, meaning businesses will be able to apply to the scheme directly for any number of placements.

Employers can still apply through over 600 of the Kickstart gateway organisations, including local authorities, charities, trade bodies, and those that had previously supported them in applying them for 29 or less job placements in the scheme.

The two billion pound Government-funded scheme has been designed to give young people at risk of long-term unemployment ‘a future of hope and opportunity’, by creating high quality ‘Government-subsidised’ jobs, which will support them into work.

Since launching last September, over 120,000 Kickstart jobs have been created, as placements have been secured with many different companies from a wide range of sectors who have got on board.

As a part of the scheme, 100 per cent of the young person’s age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance, and pension contributions for 25 hours a week will be paid by the Government, which the employer can then top up if they choose to.

The Government will then pay £1,500 per ‘Kickstarter’ who is taken on board, to cover any associated set up costs.

Dr. Luke Evans comments

Dr. Luke Evans is urging as many employers as possible in town to join the Kickstart scheme.

He said: “I know many young people from around Hinckley and Bosworth have found the pandemic incredibly tough. As adults it’s sometimes easy for us to forget that.

“As we look to our economic recovery, we will honour our commitment to level up opportunity, so no young person is left behind as a result of the pandemic.

“After raising concerns brought to me about smaller businesses wanting to get involved in the scheme locally, I am pleased the Government has widened the scheme so more businesses in Hinckley and Bosworth can get involved.

“The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is a clear demonstration that we are putting young people at the heart of our plans to build back better, and with over 120,000 Kickstart jobs already created, businesses are giving them their backing too.

“By investing in their potential, we can put thousands of young people on the path to a brighter future, and I would urge as many employers as possible in Hinckley and Bosworth to sign up.”

Rishi Sunak’s statement

Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure they’re not left without hope or opportunity.

“The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. Since opening for applications last Autumn, we’ve worked with some of the most exciting companies to create more than 120,000 Kickstart jobs, which is a huge vote of confidence in our young people at a challenging time.

“With £2 billion available and no limit on the number of places, it’s now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part.

“Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of Kickstarters.”