The Kickstart Scheme was announced in July 2020 as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. The scheme aims to create thousands of high-quality six-month work placements for young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.
Under the scheme, the Government will cover:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
- employer National Insurance
- minimum automatic pension enrolment contributions
- £1,500 per job placement for setup costs, support and training
From now, there are two main ways for small employers to take part with the Kickstart scheme no matter how many placements you can offer, either directly through DWP or through an official Government gateway.
If you have or are thinking about taking on a Kickstart then it is important to manage their performance from start to finish. We advise scheduling in a performance meeting when they start so that the Kickstart has clear objectives within the role as well as help to identify development needed along with any additional training required during their time with you. This can then be reviewed at the end of their term and feedback and support given to help with future employment.
ViewHR has created a template document for both the employee and manager to fill in. Click here to request your template. If you would like support in conducting a performance meeting and what needs to be included in the evaluation, then please contact a member of the ViewHR team today.
If you are looking for career support and advice, then contact Ansbury Guidance – a registered charity who have over 20 years experience in the careers guidance sector. They aim to deliver expert independent careers and employability information, advice, guidance, support and training to benefit children, young people, adults, the economy and community. Find out more here.
