Over 100,000 young people have found paid work through Chancellor Rishi Sunak's kickstart scheme, the latest Government figures show.
Launched on 2 September 2020 as part of the Government's ‘plan for jobs', the £2 billion job placement scheme has helped thousands of workers on universal credit aged 16-24 work placements in a range of sectors lasting six months.
The idea is that kickstarters will then be offered a permanent role by their employer or their experience will help them find work, although data isn't available as to the extent this is happening.
Under the scheme, the Government pays the wages, National Insurance and pension contributions of trainees, who work at least 25 hours a week for the national minimum wage, plus any extra the employer elects to add on top.
Secretary of state for the Department for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said:
"Having hit the 100,000 milestone, we are now on the last lap and I encourage employers and young people to take advantage of this opportunity as we head towards the finish line of the great kickstart scheme."
However, with money available for up to 250,000 roles, it's apparent take-up may have been lower than expected.
Employers have until 17 December to offer positions, with young people being able to start roles up until 31 March 2022.
Talk to us about the kickstart scheme.