South West businesses will now receive government cash to take on young staff

3rd September 2020

Could your business create a role to help a young person get a foot on the career ladder?

If so, Business West can help you access government funding to cover the costs.

As the Chamber of Commerce representing Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, Business West is acting as an intermediary for the government’s new Kickstart employment programme to enable businesses creating smaller numbers of placements to participate in the scheme and create meaningful opportunities for local young people in our region.

Under the scheme, businesses that are able to provide 6 months employment for under-25s will receive funding for 25 hours a week at national minimum wage, as well as national insurance and pension contributions.

Whilst larger businesses able to provide 30 or more work placements can apply for funding directly from the government, employers looking to create fewer placements will need to apply via an intermediary such as Business West.

Nicky Williams, Head of Skills at Business West, comments:

“Business West, as part of the British Chambers network is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to pull together quality placements on behalf of businesses in our region who want to participate in the scheme. Whatever your size of business we can help you to access this programme.

“At a time when cashflow is tight it is vital that we, as a Chamber and national network, are able to play our role as an intermediary and help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.

“I encourage businesses from across our region to seriously consider this time-limited opportunity, not only as a way of fulfilling your growth aspirations, but also to give young people the leg up they need to launch a successful career at this challenging time.”

If you are interested in providing a quality placement for an unemployed young person visit www.businesswest.co.uk/kickstart to find out more.

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  • Kickstart Scheme for Employers

    Business West is acting as a local intermediary for the Kickstart scheme. As part of the British Chambers network we're working with Department for Work and Pensions to pull together quality placements on behalf of smaller businesses in the region who want to participate in the scheme.

  • Get in touch

    If you’re interested in providing a placement for an unemployed young person, or for further information please contact us.