Under the Kickstart Scheme, enrolled employers can offer young people aged 16-24 in receipt of Universal Credit a six-month work placement with their wages paid by the government.

The scheme was announced in the summer budget by chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of his ‘Plan for Jobs’ to spur Britain’s economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Since it launched in September, the Treasury confirmed more than 19,000 jobs had been created in tech, logistics, communications, media, fitness, charity and infrastructure.

It has also received more than 4,350 applications from employers and ‘gateways’ – organisations that act on behalf of employers offering 29 or less vacancies.

The Treasury added that tens of thousands more jobs are expected to be created in the months ahead.

‘Offering young people a brighter future’

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “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.”

Nick Wells CEO of Whistl, said: “The Kickstart Scheme enables future talent to join Whistl and begin their career in the fast-growing logistics and e-commerce fulfilment sector. The initial 30 people who are joining us will gain valuable on the job training to develop their employability and worked-based skills at our facilities across the UK.”

Kickstart Scheme

The government will fully fund each “Kickstart” job – paying 100% 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.

The government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, as well as helping pay for uniforms and other related costs.

It will run until December 2021 and is expected to create more than 250,000 jobs.