Government Kickstart scheme and apprentice bonus extension

Government Kickstart scheme and apprentice bonus extension

Kickstart is a government-backed scheme that provides funding to create new 6-month fixed-term jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds in receipt of Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

By hiring through the Kickstart Scheme before it ends, you’ll be helping a young person get into work who may in return bring fresh ideas that could help your business grow.

For each job created, the government will cover 100% of National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, associated employer national insurance and minimum employer pension contributions and provide you with £1,500 in funding for each job placement created.

In return, you must offer support Kickstart hires in finding future roles or developing their employability.

The scheme was due to come to an end on 31 December 2021 but has now been extended until 31 March 2022. You will need to apply for the scheme by 17 December.

Apprentice bonus

The closing date for the government incentive payment for new apprentices was due to come to an end on 30 November 2021, claiming a £3,000 bonus for every apprentice who started between 1 April 2021 - 30 September 2021.

You will now be able to apply for the £3,000 payment for apprentices with an employment start date from 1 October 2021 to 31 January 2022 once applications open in January 2022.

You do not have to pay the bonus back and it can be used for anything to support your costs i.e. uniform or travel.

The payment is in addition to the existing £1,000 an employer will already get for taking on an apprentice who is either aged 16 to 18 years old; or under 25 and has an education, health and care plan or has been in the care of their local authority.