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A free, simple and secure Kickstart Gateway

The Kickstart scheme is now open. However, if you have fewer than 30 Kickstart roles, you’ll need to apply via Kickstart Gateway (that's us).

Unlike a lot of Kickstart Gateways out there, we’ll handle all aspects of your application at no cost to your business.

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What is the Kickstart scheme?

The Kickstart scheme is designed to help young people (16-24) who are currently on universal credit to develop the skills and experience they need to find work, through valuable 6 month job placements.

Via the scheme, the Government is funding 100% of every placement and offering grants of £1,500 per role to cover the cost of training and employability support. The Government will also cover all necessary employer national insurance and pension contributions meaning the schemes are 100% cost neutral to employers.

The scheme is run by the DWP and Jobcentre who will help place candidates in Kickstarter roles. The scheme is open to any employer that can offer more than 30 job roles OR to any employer who applies via a Government Gateway, like us.

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We aren’t charging employers a penny for being their Gateway, because we’re able to claim a Government grant of £300 for every role. That means you get to keep all the government support available.

“Our country’s future will be built by the next generation, so it’s vital that we harness the talent of young people as we rebuild from the pandemic.

"But this isn’t just about kickstarting our economy, we’re giving opportunity and hope to thousands of young people, kickstarting their careers and offering them a brighter future.”

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Rishi Sunak
Chancellor of the Exchequer

How it Works?

1. Apply to our Secure Gateway


Fill out this quick sign up form. It takes less than five minutes to complete, we just need a few details about your business and the type of roles you’re planning to offer.

2. Get a decision.


The DWP will check your roles are compliant, and we’ll let you know once funding has been granted. This process usually takes 4-6 weeks, but we'll keep you updated while you wait.

3. Hire your candidate


Interview and choose from a talented pool of applicants put forward by the Job Centre. After you hire, funding instalments that will be paid out monthly in arrears.

Read our FAQs >

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  • How do i apply?
    The sign up form takes less than five minutes to complete - we just need a few details about your business and the type of roles you intend to offer. The sign up form is here.
  • How do I know if my company eligible?
    Any organisation from any sector can apply, but you must be a registered limited company or charity. Unfortunately, Sole Traders are not eligible.
  • How long does it take?
    You’ll receive confirmation that your application has been submitted 1-2 weeks after you complete the sign up form. After this, the DWP will check if the roles are compliant, and we’ll be in touch as soon as funding has been granted and your role can begin. Employers can spread the start date of the job placement up until the end of December 2021.
  • What support do I have to give?
    Once the placement begins, together with our support, you’ll be responsible for helping participants develop their skills and experience. This includes CV writing, interview prep, career advice and goal setting - but don’t worry, we’ll be on hand to help.
  • What sort of roles are funded by Kickstart?
    Kickstart roles must be new jobs and a minimum of 25 hours per week over 6 months. They must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment - apart from that, they can be anything. You can apply for funding for as many roles as you like at a time, as long as it’s under 30.
  • What about training?
    The Job Centre will put forward applicants with varying qualifications and abilities. That’s why the roles must not require extensive training in order for the participants to start work.
  • Can I choose who is placed in the role?
    In order to participate, Kicstart candidates must be 16-24 and in receipt of universal credit. Candidates that suit the role will be put forward by their Jobcentre Plus coach. You will then have the opportunity to interview the candidates before choosing who to employ, like any other recruitment process.
  • Can I employ the participant after 6 months?
    Yes and it's actively encouraged by the Kickstart scheme. But obviously, anything beyond the 6 month placement will not be funded by the Government.
  • What if I change my mind or the participant leaves?
    If a Kickstart participant ceases to engage in the placement at any point during the 6-months, you must notify us immediately.
  • What about more Covid-19 disruption?
    If where the placement is due to take place is closed due to Covid, work will be carried out from home, or the start date of the placement will be delayed until the venue reopens, whichever is more appropriate.
  • What does the Kickstart scheme cost my organisation?
    We won’t charge you, so it won’t cost a penny. The Government will cover all the administration costs and this will be paid to us directly, so no need to worry there. The Government are also funding 100% of the Kickstart scheme costs so all wages are covered too. That's capped at 25 hours per week of salary at the applicable Minimum Wage plus all employer pension and national insurance contributions. Plus, you'll receive a £1,500 grant per Kickstart role you offer to go towards training and support.
  • How does funding and payment work?
    As a Gateway, we’ll apply on your behalf for the wages before distributing these sums to you. You receive 3 payments. Payment 1 is the £1500 set up and training grant. Payment 2 covers the salaries for month 1-3 and is received at the end of month 3. Payment 3 covers months 4-6 and is received at the end of month 6. We have raised that this will cause a cashflow issue for some smaller employers but the response has been that there are loan options to help with cashflow (CBILS and bounceback).
  • What if I want to pay more than minimum wage?
    The scheme permits employers to pay participants more than the National Minimum Wage, but you have to cover the cost yourself along with any associated increases to employer National insurance and pension contributions.
  • Can i apply multiple times?
    Yes, there are no limitations to how many times you can apply for Kickstart funding.

FAQ's

FAQ's
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