Are you a small business in the UK looking for free staff, then this article is just what you need!

The Kickstart scheme was launched by the government to help small businesses access funded staff by providing work placements for young people.

The Kickstart scheme provides funding for employers; all of the employment costs are paid for by the government so SMEs can employ staff for free.

In this article, we will explain how SME businesses can apply to be part of the Kickstart job scheme and offer our tips on making a successful application!

What is the Kickstart Scheme?
The Kickstart Scheme grant has been set up by the UK Government to create new jobs for 16-24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

The scheme is a part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, by helping keep young people in employment by enhancing their employability skills.

The scheme will create hundreds of thousands of jobs for young people.

Kickstart Scheme for Employers – what is it and how to apply
20 May 2021 by Tyrell Witton in Kickstart Scheme, Tips

Are you a small business in the UK looking for free staff, then this article is just what you need!
The Kickstart scheme was launched by the government to help small businesses access funded staff by providing work placements for young people.

The Kickstart scheme provides funding for employers; all of the employment costs are paid for by the government so SMEs can employ staff for free.

In this article, we will explain how SME businesses can apply to be part of the Kickstart job scheme and offer our tips on making a successful application!

What is the Kickstart Scheme?
The Kickstart Scheme grant has been set up by the UK Government to create new jobs for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

The scheme is a part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, by helping keep young people in employment by enhancing their employability skills.

The scheme will create hundreds of thousands jobs for young people.

What’s in it for me?
100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
associated employer National Insurance contributions
any relevant workplace pension contributions (automatic enrolment)
Get up to £1,500 per job for setup costs and employability support.

What can I use Kickstart scheme funding for?
Training and employability support (provided by the employer, Kickstart gateway or another provider)

IT equipment and software
Uniform or Personal Protective Equipment
DWP may ask the employer for their records to show that they’ve spent the funding on setup costs and supporting the young person’s employability.

How to make a successful Kickstart application
When applying for the Kickstart Scheme you need to adhere to a specific job criteria to be eligible; the job criteria is stated below.

The jobs created under the Kickstart Scheme must be new positions.

They cannot:

replace existing or planned vacancies
cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours
The jobs must:

be a minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
pay at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for the employee’s age group
only require basic training
For each job you must support the young person in becoming more employable. This could include:

looking for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
support with curriculum vitae (CV) and interview preparations
developing their skills in the workplace
The young person may be able to move to another employment scheme when they’ve finished their 6-month Kickstart Scheme job.

If the criteria is met and an employer’s application is approved, they will then receive a grant agreement in a letter.

Useful Kickstart application tips for employers
Employers should be aware that funding will only be available for candidates that are introduced to the employer through this scheme.

However, DWP may contact either the young person or the employer to check that employability support has been offered during the placement.

Employers should therefore ensure that they have the resources to offer such support.

Find out more about the Kickstart scheme for employers
It all begins with the registration process, during which you will be asked if you would like to meet with an advisor, simply select ‘Yes’ from the dropdown and complete your registration.

How to book a needs assessment for your business
One you have completed your registration you can book your free needs assessment with an advisor.

To book your advisor meeting, select the duration (we recommend you select the 1 hour option) then choose your preferred date and time, enter your details and we’ll send you a calendar invite.

Visit https://digitalfuturefirst.co.uk/register to register your business today.

This is your opportunity to get a free needs assessment to find out how government support can help you grow your business.

To find out more about the Kickstart Scheme once registered on our website you can book a free needs assessment via https://digitalfuturefirst.co.uk/

Follow our socials to stay up-to-date with future government business support developments or explore some of the recent blogs we’ve published for in-depth government support information.