Norfolk County Council supports Governments Kickstart programme
It's to tackle youth unemployment
Norfolk County Council has secured Gateway organisation status in the government’s national programme to tackle youth unemployment.
Kickstart is a ÂŁ2 billion government subsidised programme aimed at 16-24-year olds who are receiving Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Councillor Graham Plant, Deputy Leader of Norfolk County Council and Cabinet Member for Growing the Economy said:
"Norfolk County Council welcomes the government’s Kickstart programme which gives young people a better chance of getting into work.
"Thousands of jobs have been lost due to the Coronavirus crisis and young people have been particularly hard hit by the rise in unemployment. As a Gateway organisation for Kickstart, we will identify businesses and organisations across the county and support them to provide eligible job placements for the project.
"Kickstart is just the beginning of a young person’s journey to employment. Norfolk County Council aims to maximise the opportunity by supporting progression into further skills, training, apprenticeships and longer-term sustainable job opportunities."
The government will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 16-24-year olds, up to a maximum 25 hours per week. It will also cover National Insurance and pension contributions for every young person given a quality placement.
Funding up to the value of ÂŁ1,500 is also available to support essentials for the placement such as a uniform and wrap-around support and training tailored to each individual to ensure their experience is as helpful as possible to their long-term employment prospects.
Employers who can offer more than 30 placements can apply directly to the government for funding. However, as a Gateway organisation, Norfolk County Council can apply for funding on behalf of businesses and organisations who can offer less than 30 placements. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply whether they can offer one placement or twenty.
The Kickstart programme is open for new placements until 31 December 2021. Organisations interested in providing work placements through the scheme should contact kickstart@norfolk.gov.uk for more information.