Graham Stuart, MP for Beverley and Holderness, met local officials from the Department for Work & Pensions to hear about the Government’s flagship ‘Plan for Jobs’, specifically about the Kickstart Scheme, which offers fully subsidised 6-month placements for 16-24 year-olds on Universal Credit.
The Government covers 100% of the placement’s National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for 25 hours a week, as well as any associated National Insurance contributions and pension contributions. Further funding is also available for any training or additional support that may be needed, with a grant of £1,500 per job. Employers have until the end of the year to start any work placements, with the final cohort of 6-month roles to end in Summer 2022.
Graham met Jo Corney, DWP Service Leader for North East Yorkshire and the Humber, Mandy Oliver, Customer Service Leader for the East Coast, Dave Waller, Employer and Partnership Manager for the East Coast, and Alison Hilton, Area Director for the North East.
Graham heard how 18-24 years olds have been one of the hardest-hit groups from the pandemic, with discussion focusing on what could be done to increase the number of local opportunities in areas such as Withernsea, which could help tackle the transport issue that many have as usually Kickstart opportunities are based in Hull.
Graham also heard how the number of work coaches in Beverley’s Jobcentre has doubled following Government investment, meaning there are now 23 work coaches able to offer tailored support to those who need it.
Graham said, “I will do everything I can to continue to promote this scheme to businesses in my constituency, as the Kickstart Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for young people and local businesses.
“In turn this will boost the local economy by getting more people into work in the long-term and giving young people the confidence and experience they need to excel in their future careers.”
The DWP’s Jo Corney added, “It was great to catch up with Graham and see how supportive he is of the Kickstart Scheme and our work here.
“We think that it is an absolutely fantastic opportunity that the Government is offering, and we would encourage as many local businesses to sign up as possible.
“As part of the Plan for Jobs, we’re offering tailored support to unemployed young people to try and remove any barriers they might be facing when trying to kick off their careers.”
