The number of young people claiming Universal Credit in Plymouth has now exceeded 4,000 people according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics.
Local employers are now being urged to access funding from a £2 billion Government scheme to create job placements to help young people back in to work.
A total of 4,881 young people aged 16-24 years old are now claiming Universal Credit in Plymouth, with large numbers of young people being badly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Kickstart Scheme will fund employers to provide six month work placements for young people. Employers will be paid 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage and employers National Insurance for 25 hours a week. There is also a £1,500 grant per job placement available to help employers pay for setup costs, support and training.
Kickstart Jobs UK is an approved Gateway helping employers access the Kickstart Scheme.
Applying through Kickstart Jobs UK is free of charge for employers, who will also gain access to the exclusive Kickstart Academy which will provide free employability skills training to the young person recruited. Employers can apply for Kickstart Scheme funding now at www.kickstartjobs.uk
Katie Range from Kickstart Jobs UK said:
“The Coronavirus pandemic has hit young people hard and youth unemployment is rising across the country. The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion investment by the Government to fund job placements to get young people back in to work.
“I would urge local employers to access this funding to create job placements and help kickstart the careers of local young people, as well as boosting your business at the same time. Pledge your job placements now at www.kickstartjobs.uk“
