The UK government has unveiled its Plan for Jobs 2020, which outlines support that will be provided directly to people and businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland through UK-wide measures. This plan is the next step towards economic recovery and securing the UK’s long-term prosperity.
Part of the Plan for Jobs features the introduction of a new Kickstart Scheme, to fund the direct creation of high quality jobs for young people at the highest risk of long-term unemployment. It will give young people the chance to build their confidence and skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term, sustainable work.
The scheme consists of a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements, aimed at those aged 16-24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment. Funding available for each job will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. This will sit alongside a guaranteed foundation of support through an expanded Youth Offer delivered through DWP, providing a range of targeted support to help young people find lasting work.
You can find out more about the Kickstart Scheme, and view the Plan for Jobs 2020 here.