UK expands Kickstart jobs scheme to attract small businesses

The Government has opened its £2bn Kickstart jobs scheme to intermediaries following criticism that many small businesses would be left out. The scheme will pay employers' costs for six-month work placements for 16- to 24-year-olds but companies taking on fewer than 30 new young workers were prevented from applying directly for funds. The Federation of Small Businesses is one intermediary given permission to help small businesses offering fewer than 30 vacancies apply for funding. The FSB has teamed up with Adecco Working Ventures to help facilitate applications. Thérèse Coffey MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Small businesses are absolutely vital to our recovery as we build back better and a key part of the Kickstart Scheme. It’s great to have the Federation of Small Businesses and Adecco supporting them to take full advantage of our landmark Kickstart Scheme by becoming a national Kickstart gateway.”