Kickstart

As part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people.

The government will fully fund each “Kickstart” job - paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.

Employers now have until Friday 17 December at 12noon to apply for a position. 

Young people are usually amongst the worst hit by financial crises, and unemployment can have longstanding implications for their future jobs and wages. We know people are leaving education into an extremely difficult jobs market, we know that young people are more likely to have been furloughed, so we are stepping in to provide more help.

The 6 month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Anyone between the age of 16 and 24 who is out-of-work and claiming Universal Credit may be eligible. Jobcentre staff will identify people at risk of long-term unemployment to refer to the scheme, and Jobcentre work coaches will support candidates before and after their placement.
• The government will fund each Kickstart job - paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for a 25-hour a week. Employers can top up pay out of their own pocket or extend the hours if they wish.
• In addition, the government is offering employers £1,500 to set up support and training for those taking part, or other set-up costs such as buying uniforms.
• Employers can spread the job start dates up until 31 March 2022. You’ll get funding until 30 September 2022 if a young person starts their job on 31 March 2022.

Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.
Employers must have a Companies House Number or Charity equivalent and corresponding address.

The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:

• replace existing or planned vacancies
• cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

The roles you are applying for must be:

• a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
• paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
• should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:

• support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
• support with CV and interview preparations
• supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

How you will get the funding

DWP will send the funding direct to the employer.

You will inform DWP when the young person starts the job. The £1,500 setup costs and £360 admin costs funding will then be paid. 

Kickstart Scheme wages and related costs

DWP will use information from HMRC to check that the young person is still employed. The grant funding to pay the young person’s salary will be paid in monthly arrears when we know they are:

• enrolled on the employer’s payroll
• being paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

The employer can pay a higher wage and for more hours but the funding will not cover this.