The Kickstart scheme is now open. However, if you have fewer than 30 Kickstarter roles, you’ll need to apply via an approved Gateway such as LSS Group
As a DWP approved Gateway, we’ll handle all aspects of your Kickstart roles at no extra cost to your business.
The Kickstart scheme is designed to help young people (16-24) who are currently on universal credit to develop the skills and experience they need to find work, through valuable 6 month job placements.
Via the scheme, the Government is funding 100% of every placement and the Government will also cover all necessary employer national insurance and pension contributions meaning the schemes are 100% cost neutral to employers.
The scheme is run by the DWP and Jobcentre who will help place candidates in Kickstarter roles. The scheme is open to any employer that can offer more than 30 job roles OR to any employer who applies via an approved Government Gateway, like us.
For the employers and young people on placements, LSS Group will ensure quality of support throughout the process and advise on those valuable next steps of re-entering paid, full time employment with comprehensive wrap-around support.
“Our country’s future will be built by the next generation, so it’s vital that we harness the talent of young people as we rebuild from the pandemic.
“But this isn’t just about kickstarting our economy, we’re giving opportunity and hope to thousands of young people, kickstarting their careers and offering them a brighter future.”
Rish Sunak
Chancellor of the Exchequer
1. Apply to our Gateway
Fill out this quick sign up form. It takes less than five minutes to complete, we just need a few details about your business and the type of roles you are planning to offer.
2. Get a decision
The DWP will check your roles are compliant, and we’ll let you know once funding has been granted. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks, but we’ll keep you updated while you wait.
3. Hire your candidate
Interview and choose from a talented pool of applicants put forward by the Job Centre. After you hire, funding instalments will be paid out monthly in arrears.
Funding is available for 100% of the applicable National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance and pensions contributions.
Through the Kickstart scheme, you’ll have the opportunity to train up new member(s) of your team and invest in the future talent – which hopefully, you’ll be able to retain after their 6 month placement ends.
Young people have been hit particularly hard by the recent disruption to the job market. By taking part in the Kickstart job scheme, you’ll be helping a whole generation get back on their feet.
LSS Group has over 30yrs experience in providing operational management support to the UK hospitality and leisure sector. We supply HR and employment vehicles to operators so are well used to the pitfalls and compliance issues associated with employing staff.
When you apply for Kickstart through LSS Group, we’ll be on hand every step of the way to make sure things go smoothly. We’ll help you tailor your role, and provide all the support you need to ensure your placements are compliant, with regular check ins, progress reports and resources.
We will provide ongoing training and support to both you and your new employee to ensure that the relationship reaches it maximum potential for both parties.
Getting Started
The sign up form takes less than five minutes to complete – we just need a few details about your business and the type of roles you intend to offer. The sign up form is here.
Any organisation from any sector can apply, but you must be a registered limited company or charity. Unfortunately, Sole Traders are not eligible.
Once the placement begins, together with our support, you will be responsible for helping participants develop their skills and experience. This includes CV writing, interview prep, career advice and goal setting – but do not worry, we’ll be on hand to help.
Roles & Placements
Kickstart roles must be new jobs and a minimum of 25 hours per week over 6 months. They must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment – apart from that, they can be anything. You can apply for funding for as many roles as you like at a time, as long as it’s under 30.
The Job Centre will put forward applicants with varying qualifications and abilities. That is why the roles must not require extensive training in order for the participants to start work.
In order to participate, Kicstart candidates must be 16-24 and in receipt of universal credit. Candidates that suit the role will be put forward by their Jobcentre Plus coach. You will then have the opportunity to interview the candidates before choosing who to employ, like any other recruitment process.
Yes and it’s actively encouraged by the Kickstart scheme. But obviously, anything beyond the 6 month placement will not be funded by the Government.
If a Kickstart participant ceases to engage in the placement at any point during the 6-months, you must notify us immediately.
Once you have applied using the form below, we will call you to discuss your opportunities and give you full support through each step of the scheme.
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