The government has launched the Kickstart Scheme, an innovative new proposal to help young people into work and facilitate Britain’s economic revival.

Throughout her time in office Caroline has championed youth employment, having supported apprenticeships and other schemes and so is delighted with the help being provided by the Government through the Kickstart Scheme.

With young people more likely to have been furloughed due to the disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic this scheme will be able to provide the opportunity for young people to build their skills and gain invaluable experience to help them in securing a job long-term. With over 9800 people having been furloughed in the Gosport constituency this is an incredible directive to boost the economy.

The landmark £2 billion scheme aims to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for those aged 16-24 who are currently claiming Universal Credit. The Scheme offers 6 month placements across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales with the first placements likely to be available from November. Household names such as Tesco have already pledged to offer Kickstart jobs.

These placements are to be fully subsidised by the government with employers receiving payment for 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has said:

“This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.

"The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”

The Kickstart Scheme recognises the longstanding implications unemployment can have on young people and their future jobs and wages. Many youths are leaving education and entering an extremely difficult job market. This scheme will provide the help and opportunity needed in the early stages of young people’s careers.

Caroline commented:

“I am thrilled by the launch of the Kickstart Scheme which will provide key support for young people throughout Gosport, Hill Head, Stubbington and Lee-on-the-Solent.

“These have been extremely difficult times and as we continue to build back the opportunities this scheme will provide for young people will be of great benefit, both to the individual and for our communities.

“I am pleased that the government has focused on the effects the recession has had on our youths and I believe this scheme will help to reinstate the confidence needed for recovery.”

The Kickstart Scheme is part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs that recognises the sectors and individuals who have been hardest hit by the recession and outlines how the government will stimulate job creation for economic recovery. Announced in July, the Plan for Jobs sets out the biggest support package for youth unemployment in decades.

Applications are now being accepted from employers or groups of employers. More guidance on this can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-can-apply-for-a-grant-through-the-kickstart-scheme