New ‘Kickstart’ scheme launched to provide six month work placements to young people on universal credit

Government will pay 100 percent of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week which can be topped up by employer

The government has launched its new 'Kickstart' scheme which will provide six month work placements to young people on universal credit.

The £2 billion Scheme - part of the government's Plan for Jobs to help economic recovery in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic - will offer 16 to 24 year olds on universal credit a six month work placement for which the government will pay 100 per cent of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up the wage and the government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for young people on the placement, as well as helping pay for uniforms and other set up costs.

Announcing the opening of the Scheme today, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said - 

'This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.

The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.'

For more information see Landmark Kickstart scheme opens from gov.uk