Businesses have been given an extra three months to take on young employees through the government funded Kickstart Scheme after Rishi Sunak extended the initiative.
Firms have until 17 December 2021 to employ a Kickstart candidate, but now have until 31 March 2022 to start the candidates placement.
Under the terms of the scheme, the government pays minimum wage for 25 hours a week to Kickstart candidates, as well as paying other costs such as National Insurance and pension contributions.
The Government is also extending its £3,000 incentive payment for every apprentice at business hires up until 31 January 2022.
To be successful, your Kickstart application must show that your business is established and financially stable, at that you can give a Kickstart Candidate a good experience of work that increases their future chances.
Once a Kickstart application is successful, business vacancies become live on a Jobcentre Plus site, through which candidates can apply. Businesses can interview candidates to ensure that they are suitable.
Employers of all sizes can apply for funding until 17 December 2021, which covers:
100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of six months;
Associated employer National Insurance contributions;
Minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.
Employers can spread the job start dates up until 31 March 2022 and will get funding for six months once the young person has started their job.