A brief update on the ‘Free’ work placements for your business under the KickStart scheme.
In the chancellor’s Summer Statement, as part for the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’, it was announced that there would be additional payments made to employers who hire eligible apprentices.
They also announced the ‘Kickstart’ Scheme.
The Kickstart Scheme was designed to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
You can get funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week. Plus, employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions are covered too.
There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.
Sounds great, right?
Sadly the government have announced in their latest guidance that applications must be for a minimum of 30 apprentices…… for most small business this is unobtainable on their own.
The government have said you can band together with other employers or bodies to apply. You can contact the bodies HERE who can point you in the right direction.
Unfortunately, it is not as easy to access for small business as we had hoped from the announcement.
However, you still can receive up to £3000 for taking on apprentices outside of the Kickstart scheme.
You can see the detail in this blog.