Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG) has been officially approved as a Gateway for organisations to access funding through the Kickstart Scheme.
The scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
TSDG can now support organisations across the region through the process of obtaining Kickstart grant funding.
Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
- 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of six months
- associated employer National Insurance contributions
- employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. They can also top up pay, out of their own pockets, or extend the hours, if they wish. In addition, the government is offering employers up to £1500 per placement to set up support and training and employability for those taking part, or other set-up costs, such as buying uniforms.
TSDG’s Kickstart Consultant Katie Nairn said: “The Kickstart scheme is an excellent way for organisations to access funding and support to employ staff, not only helping the young workforce in the region but aiding the recovery of the sector post Covid-19 restrictions.”
Kickstart in Dumfries and Galloway is provided through a Gateway Partnership between Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Employability and Skills Service, Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway and Smart Business Utilities.
Pooling that experience, they are acting as Gateway Organisations and bidding for placements on behalf of Dumfries and Galloway’s businesses and charities. They will also help with skills and training support throughout the six-month placement.
As Gateway Organisations, they will provide the administration and help organise the employability support to enable businesses the opportunity to take part in the scheme, supported by a regional approach.
Gateways are responsible for applying on behalf of businesses and then passing on grant reimbursements for wages during the six-month period of the Kickstart placement, along with any of the initial £1500 payment for set up, employability and training costs which may be incurred as part of the placement.
If you are interested in hearing more about the Kickstart scheme or applying for funding to take on staff members, please contact Katie Nairn in the first instance on [email protected]
More information can be found on the Scottish Government website: https://bit.ly/3bAOYfz
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