South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from Nantwich employers who can create job opportunities for the area’s young people as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
The Chamber is working as an intermediary for the £2 billion scheme designed to offer six-month placements to 16-24 year-olds currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Local employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
Applications are open now and the Chamber, working with Crewe and Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan, hopes to see a big response from the area’s diverse range of businesses.
The support will extend to all local firms, including non-members.
Chamber chief executive Paul Colman (pictured) said: “The Chamber is acting as an intermediary in the Kickstart process and can offer valuable support to businesses interested in taking part.
“Our support will extend to all businesses, including non-members in a real effort to offer hope and job skills to young people for whom the current outlook may appear bleak.”
South Cheshire Chamber has long championed the role of young people in the workplace through its Young Persons networking events and annual Business Awards recognising fresh talent.
Prizes go to leaders of the future and star apprentices.
As a member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited network, throughout the pandemic the Chamber has fed back on issues affecting local businesses to Government.
This lobbying helped pave the way for support packages including the job retention scheme, interruption loans and
self-employed grants.
Commenting on Kickstart, BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: “At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully-funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.
“Rooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers’ growth aspirations, and will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs.”
South Cheshire Chamber has had an encouraging response to Kickstart applications going live this month and urges more businesses to get involved.
For information and a link to apply go to
https://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/news/3132/kickstart-scheme-opens-for-employer-applications/
