Mansfield employers urged to access funding and help young people into work

Youth unemployment in Mansfield has now exceeded 1,900 people, according to latest figures, and local employers are being urged to access funding from a £2 billion Government scheme to create job placements to help young people back in to work.

A total of 1,935 young people aged 16 to 24 years old are now claiming Universal Credit in the district, with large numbers of young people being badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kickstart Scheme will fund employers to provide six-month work placements for young people. Employers will be paid 100 per cent of the national minimum wage and their national insurance for 25 hours a week. There is also a £1,500 grant per job placement available to help employers pay for setup costs, support and training.

Jonathan Ash-Edwards, from Kickstart Jobs UK, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has hit young people hard and youth unemployment is rising across the country.

"The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion investment by the Government to fund job placements to get young people back in to work.

"I would urge local employers to access this funding to create job placements and help kickstart the careers of local young people, as well as boosting your business at the same time.”

Employers can apply for Kickstart Scheme funding now at www.kickstartjobs.uk.