21st September 2021

Over 30 Businesses welcomed at Kickstart Scheme Seminar

 

Gordon Henderson MP, in partnership with local JobCentres, welcomed over 30 local businesses last Friday morning (17th September 2021) to their Kickstart Scheme Seminar, where they were encouraged to offer 6-month work placements to young people on Universal Credit.

 

The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme was set up by the Government in November 2020 and has created so far 331 placements in Sittingbourne and Sheppey for claimants aged between 16 - 24 years old. This has been achieved with the help of the 101 local employers who already have taken part.

 

Those employers received £1,500 of grant funding per placement, to help with setup and training costs. The Government also fully funds the pay and National Insurance for 25 hours work a week, and, where necessary, offers transport-to-work assistance for the young people taking part.

 

Those business representatives who attended the event were provided with a free complimentary breakfast before listening to a presentation by Department for Work and Pensions staff from the JobCentres. This was followed by a question and answer session.

 

Mr Henderson said:

 

‘The Kickstart Scheme is a brilliant Government initiative, which has benefits for both the employer and the young person taking part, because it funds placements in local businesses that provide work experience.

 

‘In order for local youngsters to realise their potential and fill the many jobs that are being created locally, it’s important they gain experience and confidence in a workplace.

 

‘That’s what the Kickstart Scheme helps them achieve and I hope many more local employers will take part in Kickstart and help give those young people a positive start to their working life.’

 

Liz Elsden, Partnership Manager for the Sittingbourne and Sheerness Jobcentres, added:

 

‘It was great to see so many local employers attend this event to find out more about the Kickstart Scheme and how they can support young people in the community get that first step on the employment ladder.

 

‘Young people in Swale need the support of local employers to help build their confidence and skills by offering them a placement under the Government’s fully funded Kickstart Scheme.’

 

For more information about the Kickstart Scheme, please visit: https://kickstart.campaign.gov.uk/.