The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is designed to give young people at risk of long-term unemployment a future of hope and opportunity by creating high-quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK, supporting them into work as it delivers on its commitment to level up the entire country. Introduced as part of the Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme allows employers to offer young people between 16 and 24 who are on Universal Credit a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the Government. Under this scheme, the Government will pay 100% of the young person’s age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to. In addition, the Government will pay £1,500 per Kickstarter taken on to cover any associated set up costs. Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “As we look to our economic recovery, we will honour our commitment to level up opportunity so no young person is left behind as a result of the pandemic. “The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is a clear demonstration that we are putting young people at the heart of our plans to build back better, and with over 120,000 Kickstart jobs already created, businesses are giving them their backing too. “By investing in their potential, we can put thousands of young people on the path to a brighter future, and I would urge as many employers as possible in Pendle to sign up.” Since it first launched in September, the Government has been working with companies across a wide range of sectors to create over 120,000 Kickstart jobs; and in encouraging more employers to join, it is now making it even easier for companies of all sizes to apply for any number of vacancies. From Feburary, businesses can apply to the scheme for any number of placements, with the 30 vacancies minimum threshold removed so they can sign up directly. Employers can still apply through one of the over 600 Kickstart gateway organisations including local authorities, charities and trade bodies, that have supported them in applying for funding for 29 or less job placements through the scheme.