- Approval given to intermediary provider after first 700 small firms sign up
- Sole traders among those able to access the scheme
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has given its backing to a scheme which will enable small employers and sole traders to provide work placements to unemployed people aged 16-24 under the government’s Kickstart programme.
More than 700 small firms have so far come forward to offer placements through a gateway set up by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), alongside Adecco Working Ventures (AWV) which will be the intermediary employer.
AWV will provide comprehensive wrap-around support to the young people taking part throughout their six-month placement and beyond, including mentoring, a dedicated placement manager, skills development, help with CV-building and job applications, and post-placement support towards future employment.
The placement provider will also receive bespoke support from AWV to enable them to take part, and AWV will handle all of the administration required for payroll, HR and monitoring.
This will take the stress away from placement providers and allow them to focus on providing a high-quality work placement experience. It means that smaller businesses and sole traders who might otherwise be deterred from offering Kickstart placements can more easily take part.
With approval for the scheme from DWP now in place, AWV will liaise with Jobcentre Plus to identify and recruit young people best suited to the roles available.
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “The coronavirus crisis has made it much more difficult for young people to find employment, and it is vital that they are given opportunities to gain workplace experience so that they can go on to have successful careers or even become entrepreneurs themselves.
“Small businesses can be the ideal environment to nurture talent, which is why we wanted to see a range of options available to access Kickstart, including this model which will enable even the smallest employers to provide placements.”
Alex Fleming, Country Head, the Adecco Group UK and Ireland said: “As a result of the pandemic, there is a lost generation that needs to be supported and provided with employment opportunities, against a backdrop of increased labour supply. It’s more important than ever that we act now to avoid a long-term impact, which is why the Kickstart programme is so invaluable, as it is a strong solution for getting young people into the workforce. Additionally, gaining first-hand experience from small businesses will not only help to equip them with technical skills but also soft skills that will be integral for future success.
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey MP, said: “We have opened an important gateway through the Federation of Small Businesses and Adecco Working Ventures to help small employers and sole traders create new life-changing opportunities for young people through our Kickstart scheme.
“This is a crucial part of our Plan for Jobs to create and support jobs across the UK, ensuring help reaches those who need it most and they aren’t left without hope or opportunity.”
Notes to Editors
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2) The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year olds on Universal Credit.
3) To apply, visit FSB’s Kickstart Gateway page.
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.
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