Kickstart Expression Of Interest

You can use the Kickstart Scheme 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 must support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

Businesses that are successful in being accepted to Kickstart by DWP are usually:

• Registered at Companies House. DWP is currently unable to carry out full due diligence of Sole Trader / Single Company Directors. DWP is currently looking into a mechanism to allow these businesses to still access the Kickstart scheme. This has not yet been achieved but as soon as they can offer this, they will update the scheme.
• Accounts. Up to date accounts must have been filed from the last operational year. This also affects new businesses who may not yet have filed their first accounts.
• Supervision. DWP have implemented a 3:1 ratio. For every 3 full time members of staff currently on payroll, 1 kickstart placement is permitted.
• Additionality. Being able to demonstrate that the role is an additional placement and isn’t a normal vacancy that should be recruited for or a role created when other staff are having to reduce their hours.

Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 grant that will be used for employability support.

Funding is only available following a successful application process.

We are aiming to create themed clusters of placements and so we will be selecting opportunities that can be grouped together and are in a position to offer a quality experience for young people.

To be considered as part of our Gateway, please complete the following Expression of Interest proforma

If you need further details please visit the Government’s Kickstart Scheme page here.

I confirm that, to the best of my knowledge, the information above is correct and given in good faith. I confirm that I understand that failure to meet the contract employer size requirements may result in this enterprise being ineligible to receive support from ESF funds.

North East LEP is keen to ensure good work experience opportunities and support are offered to a young person through this programme.

I am duly authorised by the above business to make the following declaration and I understand that if any part of this declaration is false, funding may be suspended or withdrawn. This could include seeking the recovery of any paid funding to the business under the programme.

• All commitments outlined below are subject to a successful full application.
• The Kickstart placement(s) listed in this application:
  • are not included in any other arrangement or application for Kickstart
  • are located within the North East LEP area
  • are new roles that will not displace existing employees or contractors
  • are funded by the Kickstart Scheme grant and would not exist without this funding
• The business will employ the named Kickstart participant(s) for not less than 25 hours per week for a 6-month duration and they will participate in suitable employability support from North East LEP. Which will be funded through the Kickstart Scheme.
• On behalf of the Business I commit:
  • to providing the number of Kickstart Placements specified in this application.
  • to supporting the Kickstart Participant(s) to develop their skills and experience by participating fully in the employability support provision offered by the North East LEP as a Gateway
  • to provide the North East LEP with a copy of the job description for the Job Placement(s) when requested
  • to work with DWP job coaches during the recruitment phase of finding a young person
• I will inform the North East LEP:
  • when I have offered an individual a Kickstart placement
  • if that individual fails to turn up on the first day, leaves, has any concerning behaviour, or is dismissed
  • I will ensure all required information is supplied to the North East LEP, including timesheets and details of Job Placement(s), as and when required.