Kickstart Scheme

Businesses in the district can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new six-month job placements for 16 to 24-year olds who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. In addition, £1,500 per job placement will be available for setup costs, support and training.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to any organisation, no matter what size.

The minimum requirements to apply for funding are:

• job placements must be new jobs and must not be in replacement of existing vacancies or self-employed contractors
• roles must be for up to 25 hours per week for six months, paying at least the relevant National Minimum Wage and should not require people to undertake extensive training before beginning

Employers must commit to develop the skills and experience of each applicant which should include:

• supporting them to look for long-term work
• supporting them with CV and interview preparation
• supporting them with basic skills such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second applicant after the first has completed their six month period.

For organisations who can provide a minimum of 30 job placements, they can apply directly. If your business is unable to accommodate that number of placements, you and other businesses in the district can partner with Broadland District and South Norfolk Councils to provide the minimum number together (details on the next page).