Let’s discuss the Kickstart Scheme! Are you working with the next generation of talent?

12 January 2021

In its first month, the Government’s Kickstart Scheme has created 19,000 jobs and, 4,359 employers apply across Great Britain, with more business applications accepted each week.

This initiative will cost £2billion and will create 250,000 job opportunities.

The Kickstart Scheme is an ‘innovative way to help young people to work and spur Britain’s economic revival’, and is designed to build confidence, skills and experience in the workplace, which will help improve their chances of long-term, high-quality employment.

Unfortunately, it is the under-25 demographic that has been hit the hardest by the current pandemic, as this group are more likely to be furloughed or working in the hardest-hit sectors.

Government figures highlighted, as of July, that a record 538,000 young people claimed Universal Credit during the lockdown.

What is the Kickstart scheme?

The initiative is aimed at 16-24year olds who are on universal credit and at risk of long term unemployment by offering them 6-month work placements.

The scheme was announced in July 2020, launched in September 2020 and will run until December 2021.

What are the Kickstart Scheme criteria?

Each job placement needs to help the young person become more employable. The application must outline how the placement will develop Kickstarter’s skills, including support:

looking for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
support with CV and interview preparations
developing their skills in the workplace

To apply for the scheme, the Kickstart work placements must be a new job that does not;

Replace existing or planned vacancies.
Cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce employment.
Require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement.

What funding is available for the Kickstart Scheme?

The government will pay employers to create quality 6-month placements and provide 100% funding for 25 hours per week, for the appropriate National Minimum Wage, NI and pension contributions.

Employers can choose to offer additional hours or to top up this wage, but this will come directly from the employer's funds.

A further £1,500 will be available per work placement for setup costs, support & training.

Applications can only be processed when creating 30 or more placements.

What do I do if I can’t place 30 young people?

If you’re an SME and have less than 30 placements available you can partner with other SME’s or representatives, to create a batch of 30 roles.

Is there a limit to the number of placements?

No, there is no limit to the number of opportunities on the Kickstart programme and, each placement will receive funding for 6months.

What do I need to employ a Kickstarter?

You will need to have job specifications available once your application has been reviewed and approved. Your candidates will need to know what to do to apply.

The young people who match the job placement will then contact you.

When the young person starts work and is on the payroll, the DWP will pay any initial set up costs. DWP will also use information from HMRC to check that the Kickstarter remains employed and pay the grant in arrears.

Do you have the relevant employment contracts? What HR administration may you need to set up?

You will need to provide an employment contract on or before the first day of the employment.

In line with the Good Work Plan changes, the employment contract must be a comprehensive document and set out specific details relating to;

the days of the week being worked, and whether the hours/days are variable (and, if so, how they vary),
details of any training that is either required or provided,
details relating to the duration and conditions of any probationary period, and
outline entitlements to paid leave. This covers any benefits to statutory payments, like additional maternity and family leave.

Is this your first employee? Have you thought about the on-boarding processes for your new starters?

With recruiting new starters, there is inevitable administration involved that can be time-consuming and detract from any revenue-generating activities. Not only will you handle the recruitment selection process, but there is also the on-boarding of your new starters to contemplate as well.

The introduction of a cloud based, people management system can help ease responsibilities by storing necessary employee documents and record-keeping. It’s also a BIG, positive tick from a GDPR perspective.

You may consider having an HR partner available to help your new starters settle into their roles and handle any issues during their placement.

What training do I need to give the Kickstarter?

You are required to give the young person basic training for them to do their role. Throughout their placement, you will need to help them with:

Searching for long-term employment opportunities
Setting career goals
Writing a CV
Preparing for future interviews
Developing work skills such as team communications, timekeeping and attendance.

How we can help you?

Our HR team will help you with:

Drafting your employment contract and offer letters
Acting as a sounding board and providing practical guidance relating to the on-boarding process.
Helping your kick-starters settle into their first job, and through the transition period if it is not as smooth as you had envisaged. We can provide hands-on practical support to guide you through any tricky processes, with our flexible approach on an ad-hoc or retainer basis.
Setting up a reliable, cloud HR system, if required for your business and relevant training support.

Do you want to get involved with supporting the Kickstart Scheme and are not sure where to begin?

Are you struggling with writing job specifications, filtering CV’s or need support with the interview process?

Have you taken on new starters and want to ensure your policies are HR-compliant?

Get in touch with Bal for a (virtual) coffee and a chat, to find out how our bespoke solutions can help you and your business grow.

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Bal Dhesi

HR Manager at Wilder Coe

Bal recognises that effective people management is key to any successful organisation. With a number of years’ experience gained in the field of HR, Bal provides a bespoke and tailored service to her clients whilst delivering practical yet simple people orientated solutions.