New information on the government’s Kickstart Scheme

The government has published new details of the Kickstart Scheme, a £2bn fund to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality work placements for young people.  

Any size and type of organisation that employs people can offer 16-24-year olds who are on Universal Credit and thought to be at risk of long-term unemployment, a six-month work placement that will be paid for by the government. With young people more likely to have been furloughed, and with many working in sectors disproportionately hit by the coronavirus crisis, the Kickstart Scheme is an opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and improve their chances of finding long-term work.

Some of our members have raised concerns that they are unable to refer and select their residents for the Kickstart Scheme. As with previous funding streams, housing associations are unable to target beneficiaries, but our members want to do all they can to help their residents into work. We know that the Kickstart Housing Network is raising this with the Department for Work and Pensions, and we will update you when we know more.

The government has also published new materials to support employers applying for the scheme:

• Kickstart Scheme: promotional materials
• Guidance for representatives of employers
• Kickstart Scheme employer resources