September 24 2020

WARWICKSHIRE MEANS BUSINESS

Warwickshire County Council welcomes the launch of Kickstart

Warwickshire County Council has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Kickstart scheme and is encouraging local employers to get involved. As part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs, a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.

The County’s Business Skills Support team shall soon be launching a bespoke Warwickshire wrap around package, where additional services will be provided to broaden the national offer and support Warwickshire businesses to tap into local partnerships and funding opportunities.

From September 2020, Warwickshire’s Business Skills Advisors will work with businesses to offer one-to-one virtual support for those wishing to participate in the scheme, apply for additional Warwickshire funding and evaluate how the scheme will work for their business now and in the future.

As a unique addition to the Warwickshire package, the county’s business support experts will also be equipped and ready to help businesses plan a swift economic recovery through a wider set of support measures, completely bespoke to business need.

Here’s a snapshot of the Warwickshire Kickstart Wrap Around Support:

· Business Skills Review – Explore skills needs and potential roles

· Job Carving – Which Apprenticeships fit the roles identified

· Apply for Warwickshire Apprenticeship funding

· Option to Produce a Warwickshire Career film piece

· Support to Register to National Kickstart Scheme.

· Engage with nominated Intermediary team.

· Quick access to additional Business Support and Warwickshire funding.

What we know about the Kickstart Scheme national offer so far:

The six-month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales, and the first placements are likely to be available from November.

There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.

Employers will receive funding for 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for set-up costs, support and training.

Applications are being accepted now from employers or groups of employers for a minimum of 30 job placements. If you are unable to offer this many job placements, you can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number.

If you are a representative applying on behalf of a group of employers, £300 of funding is available to support with the associated administrative costs of bringing together these employers.

Cllr Izzi Seccombe, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses in Warwickshire to receive financial help and support with employing young people who will develop the valuable skills and experience they need for their future careers.

“In these difficult times, this scheme accompanied by our own Warwickshire Wrap Around support is particularly aimed at young people who are at the most risk from long-term unemployment.

“The job placements must be for new jobs so this is an ideal opportunity for Warwickshire employers, however large or small and in any sector, looking to recruit young people to gain help with the financial costs involved in taking on staff.”

Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding but they must not replace existing or planned vacancies, or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.

Each application from businesses should include how employers will help participants develop their skills and experience, including:

· support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals

· support with CV and interview preparations

· supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their six-month term.

For more information about Kickstart and how to get involved contact Michaelsharman@warwickshire.gov.uk

Caption: The Kickstart scheme

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