**WCVA is now closed to new applicants for the Kickstart Scheme, however you still have until 17 December 2021 to submit if you go directly to DWP. For more information on the process please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/kickstart-scheme-for-employers**
PURPOSE OF THE KICKSTART SCHEME
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the launch of the £2 billion Kickstart scheme to create hundreds of thousands of high quality six-month work placements for young people across the UK.
Employers can use the Kickstart scheme to create new six-month job placements for young people (aged 16-24) who are currently on Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance, and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Through the scheme, you will be able to access a large pool of young people with potential, ready for an opportunity. DWP will initially prioritise young people aged between 16 and 24 who are ready for an opportunity and will be supported by their Jobcentre Plus work coach to enrol in the scheme.
For each employment placement DWP will pay:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
- The associated employer National Insurance contributions
- Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Employers will also receive £1,500 per placement to recognise the investment they will make to develop the Kickstart employee, for example to cover training and other development costs.
All job opportunities will be advertised through the Job Centre and Job Coaches will provide interview applicants for each post, focusing on those young people most at risk of long-term unemployment.
WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS?
Organisations must be registered with the Charity Commission or / and Companies House and have submitted at least one year of accounts. This is due to the DWP ‘Spotlight’ fiscal checks. This check is carried out on all applicants once a gateway has submitted an application to DWP.
The fiscal checks will also highlight if DWP consider your organisation financially high risk. If they do, unfortunately, they will not take your application any further.
WHAT CAN WCVA OFFER?
WCVA is registered as a gateway body for voluntary organisations in Wales. In the first batch of applications we supported 25 organisations to secure Kickstart placements and our relationship with DWP and initial approvals process could help increase your chances of success. We apply to DWP in batches on your behalf, so the process of getting your request approved should be quicker than applying directly.
WCVA is inviting applications to the Kickstart Scheme through our Multiple Application Portal (MAP). All applications will be reviewed, and additional information may be requested to strengthen applications and confirm feasibility of the number and types of job roles.
WCVA will make applications directly to DWP in batches of 30+ job roles.
REGISTERING WITH MAP
In order to submit a request for funding, you will need to register with MAP. If you have previously registered with MAP, you can log in by entering your username and password on the home screen.
Organisations can register by visiting the website map.wcva.cymru.
FURTHER SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
Email: kickstart@wcva.cymru
Contact number: 0300 111 0124