Government Kickstart Scheme
8th October 2020
New two billion pound Kickstart scheme launched to create thousands of new jobs for young people across Wales and the rest of the UK. The scheme focuses on young individuals in receipt of Universal Credit aged between 16-24. They will be offered six-month work placements with wages paid
by the UK Government.
All Businesses including Farming Businesses and Farming Enterprises are now able to sign up to be part of the landmark Kickstart scheme, giving unemployed young people a future of opportunity and hope by creating high-quality, UK Government-subsidised jobs across the UK. Many of these jobs will be in the Agricultural / Farming industry. Under the scheme , employers can offer young individuals aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit a six-month work placement.
The UK Government will fully fund each Kickstart job, paying all of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week. Employers will be able to top up this wage if they wish.
As part of the scheme the Government will also pay farming businesses who are employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, as well as helping pay for work clothes and other set up costs.
Kickstart in the Farming Industry
To help employers in the farming industry who are offering fewer than 30 placements, they will be asked to make a bid through an intermediary, such as a Local Authority or chamber of commerce, who will then bid for 30 or more placements as a combined bid from several businesses. This will make the process easier for busy farmers and less labour intensive to apply who only want to hire one or two Kick-starters. If you require assistance during busy periods, milking, calving, lambing, silage etc, this will be a fantastic opportunity to get assistance with an employee’s wages and training costs while helping the economy at this time.
If you would like to know further information on the kickstart scheme, please get in touch with our Employment and Commercial Solicitor Sasha Brine 07475069698.