The Kickstart Scheme is a government funded scheme to create new jobs placements for 16 to 24 year old that are on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. This scheme is open to all employers.
The scheme covers:
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100% of the National Minimum Wage (or National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
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Associated employer National Insurance contributions
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Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
The job placements created with Kickstart must be:
- New additional jobs – they must not replace or stop planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices, or contractors to lose work or reduce hours.
- Have employability support – for each job placement the employer must help the young person become more employable
The 6-month placement will support the participant to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.
The scheme will help the young person become more employable. This could include:
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Looking for long term work, including career advice and setting goals
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Support with Curriculum vitae (CV) and interview preparations
Developing their skills in the workplace
When the placement ends, the employer can:
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Employ the participant
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Turn the participant into an apprentice
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Release participant with excellent work and employability skills
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Employ another participant
Information about this can be located on the Government Website: Kickstart Scheme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Kickstart and the NHS Pension Scheme
Any new jobs created under this Scheme and funded by the grant would be pensionable as the young person would have a contract of employment within the NHS. Therefore, they would be eligible to be in the NHS Pension Scheme in line with the regulations.