News

Kickstart scheme: Care leavers ‘should be at the front of the queue’ for jobs

3 mins read Education Social Care Youth Work
Care leavers should be “at the front of the queue” for jobs offered through the government’s new £2bn Kickstart scheme, ministers have said.
The government's Kickstart job scheme launches today. Picture: Adobe Stock
The government's Kickstart job scheme launches today. Picture: Adobe Stock

The scheme which launches today gives employers the opportunity to offer young people on Universal Credit state-subsidised work placements offers businesses £1,500 to set up support and training for those on the scheme.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has encouraged companies to sign-up to create thousands of roles for 16- to 24-year-olds amid a rise in youth unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, when the scheme was announced last month, concerns were raised over disadvantaged young people, including care leavers, missing out on opportunities.

Following the first meeting of the cross-government care leaver board last month, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and minister for welfare delivery Will Quince have pledged to support care leavers to take advantage of the scheme.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this