Update: January 2022
As of January 2022, the DWP are no longer accepting or issuing any new Kickstart funding agreements / vacancies through the Kickstart scheme. But don’t worry, we have alternative services to help you find a new member of your team!
There are fantastic incentives currently available if you recruit a Trainee or Apprentice. Please click on the below links for more information:
What is the Kickstart Scheme?
The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund focused on creating hundreds of thousands of high quality 6 month work placements for young people. In short, a new job for a young person (aged 16-24) could be fully funded by the government. This includes wages, National Insurance contributions, and even an additional incentive to cover costs.
Key Kickstart Scheme Details
- The Kickstart Scheme is available to employers creating a new opportunity/job placement for a young person (aged 16-24).
- The scheme pays wages at 25 hours per week for 6 months at National Minimum Wage. However, you can offer more hours and offer higher than NMW if you wish.
- You can receive a grant of up to £1500. This will cover costs such as admin, training and set up costs (such as new equipment).
How does the funding work?
Employers will pay participants on the Kickstart scheme through their usual payroll procedures and will be reimbursed from month 2 of the placement start date based on confirmation that the participant has been paid through pay-as-you-earn tax (PAYE).
Are there any other requirements?
- The Kickstart Scheme is meant for new jobs only. In other words, they must not replace existing or planned vacancies, and cannot cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
- The job role must be at least 25 hours a week, and should not require participants to undertake extensive training before they begin.
- Employers will work with us to develop the participants skills and experience to support and improve their long-term employment prospects.
