Creating and protecting jobs
Here’s how the UK Government is supporting businesses and employees as they recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic
YOUNG PEOPLE
The Kickstart Scheme is a six-month paid job with a local employer, funded by the UK Government.
Jobs from the Kickstart Scheme will be open to 16-24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of longterm unemployment.
Employers from a variety of industries are now signing up, which means there’ll be a wide range of exciting jobs.
Young people who go into these jobs will be paid and also receive training that will give them the skills to help them find employment once they’ve completed the six-month scheme.
EMPLOYERS: HOW TO APPLY
If you can create 30 new jobs then you can apply directly for the Kickstart Scheme.
For smaller firms creating fewer than 30 job placements, other organisations – eg, a group of similar employers, local authorities, trade bodies and registered charities – can apply on your behalf.
Funding is available for employers for 100 per cent of the minimum wage for 25 hours a week, plus National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
SUPPORTING EXISTING JOBS
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends in October, but a Job Retention Bonus will be introduced to help firms keep hold of furloughed workers.
UK employers will receive a one-off bonus of £1,000 for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed through to the end of January 2021. Employees must earn above the lower earnings limit (£520 per month) on average between the end of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the end of January 2021. Payments will be made from February 2021.
A temporary VAT cut to 5 per cent for hospitality was introduced in July to encourage people to safely enjoy eating out, days out and to make the most of the summer season. It applies right across the UK until March 31, 2021.
JOBS FOR THE FUTURE
The UK Government will also create thousands of jobs by bringing forward work on £8.8billion of new infrastructure, decarbonisation and maintenance projects.
This includes a £3billion green investment package that could help support around 140,000 green jobs, upgrade buildings and reduce emissions.
And a £1billion programme will make public buildings – including schools and hospitals – greener, helping the UK meet its net zero target by 2050, while investing in our future prosperity.