[UK] 30 job threshold for Kickstart Scheme removed

The UK Government has announced that it is to remove the 30 job minimum threshold for employers to apply directly to the Kickstart Scheme. 

The Kickstart Scheme - introduced by Rishi Sunak - started in September 2020 and was created to provide funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.  

From February 3 employers will be able to apply directly to the scheme for any number of job placements. The government will continue to apply rigorous checks to ensure that all job placements are of high quality. The funding from the government will cover: 

• £1,500 per job placement 
• 100 per cent of the minimum wage costs for 25 hours per week for up to 6 months 
• Associated employer National Insurance contributions 

• Associated employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions 

Therese Coffey - Secretary of State for Work and Pensions - said, “Kickstart has moved up a gear and I encourage employers to join us and invest in the next generation of talent by joining our Kickstart scheme. 

“By removing the threshold of a minimum 30 jobs for direct applications, we are making it even simpler to get involved. 

“Now is the time to prepare for post-lockdown placements and employers will now have a choice to apply direct or through one of our 600 fantastic Kickstart gateways who may be locally connected or sector-specific providing that tailored support.” 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, “Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure they’re not left without hope and opportunity. 

“The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. Since opening for applications last Autumn, we’ve worked with some of the most exciting companies to create more than 120,000 Kickstart jobs – which is a huge vote of confidence in our young people at a challenging time. 

With £2 billion available and no limit on the number of places, it’s now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part. Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of kickstarters.” 

Previously, employers looking to take on less than 30 job placements had to apply through a Kickstart Gateway. There are now more than 600 approved gateways across the country.  Employers can continue to use the services of a gateway if they require additional support.  

The UK Government has announced that it is to remove the 30 job minimum threshold for employers to apply directly to the Kickstart Scheme. 

The Kickstart Scheme - introduced by Rishi Sunak - started in September 2020 and was created to provide funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.  

From February 3 employers will be able to apply directly to the scheme for any number of job placements. The government will continue to apply rigorous checks to ensure that all job placements are of high quality. The funding from the government will cover: 

• £1,500 per job placement 
• 100 per cent of the minimum wage costs for 25 hours per week for up to 6 months 
• Associated employer National Insurance contributions 

• Associated employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions 

Therese Coffey - Secretary of State for Work and Pensions - said, “Kickstart has moved up a gear and I encourage employers to join us and invest in the next generation of talent by joining our Kickstart scheme. 

“By removing the threshold of a minimum 30 jobs for direct applications, we are making it even simpler to get involved. 

“Now is the time to prepare for post-lockdown placements and employers will now have a choice to apply direct or through one of our 600 fantastic Kickstart gateways who may be locally connected or sector-specific providing that tailored support.” 

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, “Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure they’re not left without hope and opportunity. 

“The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. Since opening for applications last Autumn, we’ve worked with some of the most exciting companies to create more than 120,000 Kickstart jobs – which is a huge vote of confidence in our young people at a challenging time. 

With £2 billion available and no limit on the number of places, it’s now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part. Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of kickstarters.” 

Previously, employers looking to take on less than 30 job placements had to apply through a Kickstart Gateway. There are now more than 600 approved gateways across the country.  Employers can continue to use the services of a gateway if they require additional support.