Access The Kickstart Scheme Through AAI EmployAbility

Companies that are looking to offer anywhere between 1 and 29 placements can access the Scheme through AAI Employability.

The recently announced Kickstart Scheme allows employers to offer 6-months placements to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and find themselves at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Government will provide participating employers with a grant covering 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for a 25-hours work week, plus NICs and the minimum employer auto-enrolment pension contributions.

Although the rules of the Scheme allow companies to register only if they are planning to offer at least 30 placements, smaller businesses can access the Scheme through registered intermediaries.

AAI EmployAbility, an award-winning social enterprise that is dedicated to finding quality, paid internship for talented graduates, has now been recognised as an intermediary for the Kickstart Scheme.

Companies that are looking to offer anywhere between 1 and 29 placements can access the Scheme through AAI.

If you would are interested in using AAI as your Kickstart representative, they set up an online form for you to register, although the job roles are scheduled to commence in November.

AAI also offers support and consultation for employers, along with the training required in order for the placement to be eligible for the Scheme. Training may be funded with the £1500 Government Allowance.

AAI summarised the key points about the Kickstart Scheme below:

• Employers from all industries and across the private, public and voluntary sectors are eligible. All sizes of companies, including sole traders, can participate.
• Job roles are currently scheduled to commence in November but this may change.
• The UK Government will fund 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, plus employer NI contributions and minimum automatic enrolment contributions.
• Employers will receive £1500 per job placement on start to be used for things such as set-up costs, support and relevant employability training for the participant. 
• DWP plans to reimburse employers periodically starting at the end of the second month. This may change. Part of the £1500 could be used here to tide you over.
• Placements must be for new jobs and cannot be a replacement for existing vacancies or displace current employees.
• A Jobcentre Plus Work Coach will monitor the new employee with periodic check-ins.

Should you have any questions about the suitability of this scheme for your employment needs, please email kickstart@aai-employability.org.uk