HUNDREDS of organisations have signed up to become ’gateways’ in the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
Kickstart will offer young people aged 16-25 a six month work placement, with wages and other costs paid by the Government.
Small and medium sized employers with fewer than 30 vacancies who wish to be involved can apply via a gateway body, to suit them either by geographical area or sector – and there are around 500 gateway providers so far in the UK.
The Federation of Small Businesses was among the first to sign up.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: “I am delighted that FSB has signed up to be a National Gateway – their work across the country with small business will give SMEs the confidence and support to offer places through the Kickstart Scheme.
“Our growing list will make it easier for smaller employers to find their local gateways who will support their application and help provide wrap around support for the young people who get onto the scheme.
“We are also encouraging more organisations to step forward as gateways to support this national effort and get behind the career ambitions of the next generation.”
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Small businesses are embedded in local communities and disproportionately take on those who face barriers when finding work. The Kickstart initiative marks a crucial intervention, with young people’s job prospects now hit particularly hard by COVID19, and small businesses under significant pressure. It will help small firms create thousands of good quality opportunities for young people at risk of long term unemployment.
“We have worked closely with government to make Kickstart accessible for small firms, and look forward to announcing FSB’s own plans as an intermediary very shortly.”
Launched earlier this month, Kickstart will create hundreds of thousands of new fully-subsidised roles for young people. The Government will pay 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.
Employers will be able to top up this wage, while the Government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, as well as helping pay for uniforms and other set up costs.