Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely is encouraging Isle of Wight businesses to sign up to a new government scheme which will create thousands of jobs for young people.
The new £2 billion Kickstart scheme will see young people on Universal Credit aged between 16-24 offered 6-month work placements – with wages paid by the government.
The government has committed to fully fund each ‘Kickstart’ job – paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. It has also pledged to assist employers with set up and training costs including the cost of uniforms. There is also the option for employers to top up this wage.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Therese Coffey, said:
“As we launch our £2 billion Kickstart programme, putting young people at the heart of our revival – we are urging businesses to get involved in this innovative scheme and take advantage of the enormous pool of potential out there.
“There is no limit on the number of opportunities we’ll open up through Kickstart and we’ll fund each one for six months as part of Our Plan for Jobs to create, support and protect jobs.
“Young people taking part will receive on-the-job training, skills development and mentoring, as we get them on that first rung of the jobs ladder and on their way to successful careers.”
Mr Seely said:
“I welcome this scheme which will help our young people onto the first step of the employment ladder, improving their future prospects and employability.
“I encourage Isle of Wight businesses to sign up to this scheme to give our young Islanders a fighting chance at a bright future.
“We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and schemes like this will be vital for creating jobs and giving young people the skills to access them.
“I’m delighted that the Conservative Government are putting young people are the heart of its plans to build back stronger after the pandemic and hope as many as possible on the Island can take part.”
Businesses of all sizes can apply and there is no cap on the number of places. The scheme will initially be open until December 2021, with the option of being extended.
Young people will be referred into the new roles through their Jobcentre Plus work coach with the first Kickstarts expected to begin at the start of November.
Employers can find more information about the Kickstart scheme visit www.gov.uk/kickstart.
Instead of getting away with paying cash-in-hand, an even better deal for those employers of such cheap labour, get it for free now, legally for once.
What about older people who have lost their jobs ? They haven’t much hope of finding new jobs! All very well to tell them too retrain. What as? And would there be the jobs after retraining anyway!
I fully agree, and do not forget, some businesses got rid of all staff so that they can employ younger staff as apprentices and therefore paying tiny amounts in wages.
We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
Its a shame your GUV didnt think the same a bout the newly self employed Bob
Your lot kicked us un the teeth and now you want us to help. on yer bike
Bandwagon Bob strikes again!
Such a shame that an honorable family like the Seeleys launch such snakes upon us. Not their fault, I suppose…. That sort would probably decapitate The Queen in Trafalgar Square if they believed inept sons had a chance at promotion in life. Sad, but true.