Benchmark Coonsultancy Ltd

Applying for KickStart

The Kickstart Scheme is a new £2 billion government fund, that will pay employers of any size across the UK to create 6-month work placements for young people aged 16 to 24 that are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

As a government gateway provider, Benchmark Consultancy will support employers who can offer up to 30 placements in accessing the fund and creating opportunities for young people.  

The job placements created should encourage young people to develop skills and gain experience that will be useful in the jobs they undertake upon placement completion.

How Does KickStart Work?

Funding will cover 100 percent of the applicable National Minimum Wage for 25 hours’ work a week, along with associated National Insurance contributions and the employer’s minimum automatic enrolment contributions. 

After the 6 months the placement ends with no further commitment from the employer, but if the employer wishes they can offer a permanent job or move the participant onto an apprenticeship.  This position will then be open to another candidate once the first applicant has completed their six-month term. 

Any organisation can apply for the funding, no matter the size, as long as the jobs that are being created are new. The placements cannot replace existing or planned vacancies and cannot cause existing employees or contractors to lose their employment. 

The roles created must be: 

• A minimum of 25 hours per week, for six months; 
• Paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group.