£2bn to get youngsters in jobs

A £2BILLION youth employment scheme is being launched today.

Dubbed ‘Kickstart’, it is aimed at creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for the ‘left-behind’ under-25s.

Employers will be able to offer work placements to benefit claimants with the state covering 100 per cent of the resulting minimum wage, national insurance and pension payments.

The Government will also give £1,500 grants to help with support and training.

Major employers including Tesco have signed up so far. The scheme, which will be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions, will initially be open until December 2021.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: ‘This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic. The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.’