DWP announces removal of 30 job threshold for the Kickstart Scheme

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have updated guidance relating to the Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

From 3 February 2021, employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

• 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months;
• Associated employer National Insurance contributions; and
• Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Referrals to the scheme will run until December 2021 and it is expected to create hundreds of thousands of new job placements.

The government’s guidance about the Kickstart Scheme provides further information and contact details.