Firms urged to check out jobs scheme

Employers in Sunderland are being urged to make use of a Government scheme to help more than 5,000 unemployed young people.

Youth unemployment in the city has now exceeded 5,800 people according to figures by the Office for National Statistics and local employers are being encouraged to access funding from a £2bn Government scheme to create job placements to help young people back in to work.

The Kick start Scheme will fund employers to provide six month work placements for young people.

Firms will be paid 100% of the national minimum wage and employers national insurance for 25 hours a week.

There is also a £1,500 grant per job placement available to help pay for setup costs, support and training.

Kick start Jobs UK is an approved Gateway helping employers access the Kick start Scheme – especially those creating under 30 job placements who are not allowed to apply directly to the Government.

Applying is free of charge for employers, who will also gain access to the exclusive Kickstart Academy which will provide free employ abilityskills training to the young person recruited.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards from Kickstart Jobs UK said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has hit young people hard and youth unemployment is rising across the country.

“I would urge local employersto access this funding to create job placements and help kickstart the careers of local young people, as well as boo sting your business at the same time."

For details, go to www. kickstartjobs.uk