The Kickstart Essex team will support employers to access the scheme which will provide them funding to offer a young person a six-month Kickstart job.
Essex will work alongside DWP and local employers to support the creation of 600 opportunities for 16-24-year olds in receipt of universal credit, and who have been the most affected age group in the current economic climate.
Seena Shah comments:
Young people need schemes like this, now more than ever. COVID has meant many young people have had a rocky start to the world of work and schemes like this are critical to making sure young people have the best opportunities and life chances.
I encourage all young people on universal credit who have been struggling with employment to contact their Work Coach and ask them about this scheme.
Prior to launching, over 250 Kickstart job offers from 100 businesses in a variety of industries have been received. There are some exciting opportunities for young people in Essex already and these will increase as our economy is able to re-open over the coming months.
Under the Kickstart scheme, employers will offer young adults eligible for the scheme work opportunities for six months, which will be funded by Central Government.
The wage costs of up to 25 hours per week paid at National Minimum Wage (dependent on age), National Insurance contributions and minimum employer auto enrolment pension contributions will be funded by Central Government. A £1500 grant is also available to support the young adults and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.
Under the scheme, Essex County Council will employ 100 young people directly and will be a gateway for 500 jobs with Essex employers. It will offer wrap-around support to help young adults build on their existing skills and move in to sustained employment.
Essex County Council has been preparing for months to offer businesses a free wraparound service for the kickstart scheme.
Kickstart Essex aims to ensure that employers and young people benefit from the scheme and have a positive experience. Prior to launch, a Kickstart team was assembled to develop a support package for businesses, our team consists of specialist Youth Caseworkers who will work closely with employers, facilitating access to Kickstart candidates via DWP and appropriate training and support for young participants.
If you are unemployed, aged 16-24 and claiming universal credit, you should ask your Work Coach at Jobcentre Plus to see what job opportunities are available nearby.
Essex employers interested in offering Kickstart job opportunities under the scheme should contact the Kickstart Essex Team at kickstartessex@essex.gov.uk
