THE Cumbrian Chamber of Commerce is offering their help to businesses wanting to get involved with the new government employment scheme.

The Kickstart Scheme is a £2 billion fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people aged 16-24, who are claiming Universal Credit.

The Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is working alongside the British Chambers of Commerce and is a recognised intermediary in coordinating business responses.

Businesses of all sizes looking to create quality jobs for young people can apply to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

The Government will fund 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. In addition, businesses taking on a Kickstart candidate can apply for £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support, and training.

The pandemic has caused disruption to many businesses and individuals, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without meaningful employment.

Could your organisation benefit from hiring new talent, with financial support from the Government?

If so, in the first instance please provide our internal coordinator, Eve Halliday, with the following details via e-mail: eve@cumbriachamber.co.uk

Name:

Company Name:

How many placements you would be prepared to employ:

Job title(s) for employed placements:

Upon receipt Eve or a member of the team will contact you with further details.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce will assist you, free of charge, in facilitating the Kickstart scheme to provide opportunities for 16-24 year olds, and advise you on the next steps to a successful future for your business and the candidate(s).