Kickstart Scheme The UK Government Kickstart Scheme provides

Kickstart Scheme • The UK Government Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new 6 -month job placements • for young people aged 16 -24 • who are currently on Universal Credit • and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Funding • Funding will cover: • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week • associated employer National Insurance contributions • employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions • £ 1500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training

Placements All job placements must be: • new jobs – not replacing any existing or planned vacancies. • minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months • paid at least the National Minimum Wage for the age of the participant • A meaningful role which will help give participants the skills to develop their long term job prospects • Jobs must not require the participant to undertake extensive training before they start their role.

Who can apply? • Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding • If more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application direct to the DWP – or through a Gateway. • If less than 30 job placements, you must apply through a Kickstart Gateway Provider

Applications • Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: • support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals • support with CV and interview preparations • supporting with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

GCVS Role • GCVS is Kickstart Gateway • Third sector organisations can apply through GCVS, who will and manage the application process. • GCVS will also manage the wages and training and support grants, paying them to employers • We will also coordinate a ‘market place’ of training and development opportunities which organisations can choose to access • This will include access to the GCVS SVQ programme at discounted rates (if required)

Employer Commitment • We will encourage organisations applying through GCVS to: • Top up wages to the Glasgow Living Wage • Consider applicants with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds • Consider applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds • Seek to create long-term posts where ever possible

Application Process • Register with GCVS • Draw up your outline job role(s) and information to satisfy the bid i. e. additional / not displacement / offer of wraparound etc • GCVS submits to DWP • Notification of success – draw up full vacancy details • Details sent to the local Job Centre • Work Coach will select a number of suitable young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment and ready for work • You interview applicants and select the best candidate for the role • Training grant paid at outset • Wages paid at months 4 & 7 • Scheme is open for job starts up to December 2021

Links to other Programmes • Access to work • All employers must make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people are not substantially disadvantaged • If the help is not covered by ‘reasonable adjustments’, people may be able to get help from Access to Work. • An Access to Work grant can pay for: • special equipment, adaptations • support worker services to help people do things like answer the phone or go to meetings • help getting to and from work

Links to other Programmes • Job Start Payment helps young people with the costs associated with the transition into employment • It is a cash payment of £ 250; (£ 400 for a young person with children) • Available to those between the ages of 16 and 24 who have been out of paid work and receiving benefits for 6 months • Care leavers - out of paid work less than 6 months and until 26 th birthday. • Payments can help with travel costs, clothing, lunches or other expenses that need to be met before first salary.

Links to other Programmes • The Glasgow Guarantee • Glasgow City Council are looking at ways to link Kickstart to the Glasgow Guarantee. • This is available to employers who: • are based within the Glasgow City Council boundary; • employ less than 250 employees; • are a private company, social enterprise or third sector organisation; • 18 month posts with 50% of the salary for the first 9 months of employment. • Pay the Glasgow Living Wage

More information For more information, and to register an interest, contact us at: Kickstart@gcvs. org. uk