Chance for small firms to help young people

APPLICATIONS are now open for small businesses to help kickstart young people’s employment.

The Federation of Small Business has teamed up with Adecco Working Ventures to help firms in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight access the government’s Kickstart Scheme to provide roles in November to tackle the looming rise in young people’s unemployment.

FSB development manager for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Nicola Bailey said: ‘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.

‘We have allied with Adecco due to its track record in creating job opportunities for young people. This will be alongside local authorities and others to create lots of choices to access the scheme.

‘Small businesses have been keen to take part, and the announcement means that they can now do so with confidence that the support needed for both the employer, and the young person, will be in place.’

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.

Sean Williams, director at Adecco Working Ventures, said: ‘By making it easy for small businesses to access the scheme we will significantly increase the number of opportunities available for young people.’

Small employers who want to offer a Kickstart role to a young person can register at fsb.org.uk/kickstart