Youngstersencouragedtotake advantageofKickstartScheme

Young people in Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to take advantage of a new scheme.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has announced a new partnership with Adecco Working Ventures.

Together, they will form a new national gateway and intermediary partner for the UK Government’s new Kickstart Scheme, which covers Scotland, England and Wales.

FSB will also be delivering a regional programme of webinars and other resources to encourage, inspire and help small businesses to get involved and make the most of the new scheme.

Alongside local authorities, business organisations and the voluntary sector, FSB is also calling for a diversity of intermediary providers at local level. This way, any small business wishing to create one or two roles will have a choice of goodquality providers to deliver the important wrap-around support services that these young people are going to need.

Small firms are ready to step up and contribute jobs for our young people, whose livelihoods are now threatened by COVID-19.

The UK unemployment rate has risen to its highest level for two years, with official figures showing those aged 16 to 24 suffering the biggest drop in employment compared with other age groups.

Small employers across Perth and Kinross have a strong record of introducing ambitious young people into workplaces, such as through apprenticeships where 92 per cent of small business apprenticeships are held by those under the age of 25.

The Kickstart Scheme offers a new route into the workplace to gain practical hands-on experience.

David Groundwater, FSB’s development manager for the

North East of Scotland, said: “The UK’s small businesses are the biggest private employers in Britain and are an integral part of local communities across Perth and Kinross.

“They are proven to offer more career and employment opportunities to those furthest from work, such as the long-term unemployed and young people who are not in employment, training or education.

“At this critical time, we have successfully worked with government to develop the new Kickstart Scheme, and help small employers to be part of the solution.

“I want to thank the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury teams for being open to our suggestions on Kickstart, which will help thousands of young people in local communities currently struggling to find work.”

Go to fsb.org.uk/kickstart for more information.