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Five reasons to extend Kickstart

2 mins read Guest Blog
The government’s Kickstart jobs scheme, which offers funded placements for 16- to 24-years affected by the pandemic is set to end in December.

Employers may offer start dates up to the end of December, meaning the last cohort could finish their temporary role in February 2022.

Here, the co-chairs of the Youth Employment Group explain why the scheme should be extended:

1. Make up for lost (lockdown) time

Many employers have had no choice but to delay their placements (6-8-week delays are common). It’s logistically very challenging for them to play catch-up / cram the same number of intended placements into a reduced period. They need more time.

2. The problem won’t be fixed by December

Even in an optimistic scenario where hiring booms from the summer onwards, we know there’s never a quick fix for those at the back of the queue. Research shows how the ‘recovery years’ are not experienced by all. Recessions are longer and deeper for young people without higher qualifications. Whilst we hope youth unemployment will fall this year, ‘long-term’ youth unemployment may not fall until next year. Helping those at the back of the queue in 2022 is the best way to get value from the billions invested in Kickstart.

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