Kickstart scheme changes: Government removes ‘gateway’ application system
Fiona Simpson
Monday, January 25, 2021
The government has made changes to its Kickstart jobs scheme to make the application process more accessible for small buisinesses, Rishi Sunak has said.
In a new announcement today (25 January), Sunak said the government would remove the limit requiring companies to create a minimum of 30 vacancies to enable them to apply directly.
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Currently, those wishing to offer less than 30 placements have to club together to apply as part of a “gateway”.
So far, the scheme has seen 600 gateway applications, with those in the process of applying encouraged to continue.
The threshold will be removed from 3 February with applications from new gateways stopped from 28 January.
Employers can offer start dates for those on the scheme up to December 2021.
Despite 120,000 temporary positions for 16- to 24-year-olds being set up through the scheme, just 1,868 roles have been filled, government figures show.
Mims Davies, minister for employment, in response to several written questions from MPs, revealed the figures in response to several written questions submitted by MPs and said the Department for Work and Pensions would offer a geographical breakdown of figures soon.
Sunak said: “Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we’re doing everything we can to ensure they’re not left without hope and opportunity.
“The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. Since opening for applications last Autumn, we’ve worked with some of the most exciting companies to create more than 120,000 Kickstart jobs – which is a huge vote of confidence in our young people at a challenging time.
“With £2bn available and no limit on the number of places, it’s now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part. Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of kickstarters.”
A statement from the Youth Employment Group issued in response to the changes said: “Smaller employers may need help in knowing where to turn to for quality employability support, to reduce the administrative burden on SMEs, and spend the additional £1500 effectively to help move young people into sustained work. The government also needs to ensure that the placements being approved are quality opportunities for young people in the geographies and sectors where they are most needed.
“The latest numbers of young people on Kickstart show that many employers have had no choice but to delay their placements given the continuing disruption of lockdowns. Logistically, it will be very challenging for businesses to meet the intended number of placements in such a reduced period. Extending Kickstart beyond December will give all employers engaged in the scheme the time they need to fulfil their plans and offer thousands more young people the opportunity of employment.”