Companies in the South West are being encouraged to take part in the new Kickstart jobs scheme - and hire young staff using Government cash.
Business West, which runs the chambers of commerce in Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, is acting as a local intermediary for the £2billion programme.
The idea is to create hundreds of jobs for people aged between 16 and 24, who are currently claiming Universal Credit.
Under the scheme, businesses that are able to provide six months of employment for under-25s will receive funding for 25 hours a week at national minimum wage, as well as national insurance and pension contributions.
Business West is working with the Department for Work and Pensions to help create placements on behalf of smaller businesses in the region which want to take part.
However, larger businesses that are able to provide 30 or more work placements can apply for funding directly from the government.
Nicky Williams, Head of Skills at Business West, said: “Whatever your size of business we can help you to access this programme.
“At a time when cashflow is tight it is vital that we, as a chamber and national network, are able to play our role as an intermediary and help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.
“I encourage businesses from across our region to seriously consider this time-limited opportunity, not only as a way of fulfilling your growth aspirations, but also to give young people the leg up they need to launch a successful career at this challenging time.”
For more information, visit businesswest.co.uk/kickstart.
