South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce wants to hear from Nantwich employers who can create job opportunities for the area\u2019s young people as part of the Government\u2019s Kickstart scheme.<\/p>\n
The Chamber is working as an intermediary for the \u00a32 billion scheme designed to offer six-month placements to 16-24 year-olds currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s diverse range of businesses.<\/p>\n
The support will extend to all local firms, including non-members.<\/p>\n
Chamber chief executive Paul Colman (pictured) said: \u201cThe Chamber is acting as an intermediary in the Kickstart process and can offer valuable support to businesses interested in taking part.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Prizes go to leaders of the future and star apprentices.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This lobbying helped pave the way for support packages including the job retention scheme, interruption loans and
\nself-employed grants.<\/p>\n
Commenting on Kickstart, BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: \u201cAt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cRooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers\u2019 growth aspirations, and will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs.”<\/p>\n
South Cheshire Chamber has had an encouraging response to Kickstart applications going live this month and urges more businesses to get involved.<\/p>\n