More than 700 small firms have offered placements through a gateway created by the Federation of Small Businesses under the Government's Kickstart programme.

The scheme, will will see Adecco Working Ventures act as the intermediary employer to enable small employers and sole traders to provide work placements for 16-24 year olds, has been backed by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Adecco will provide support throughout six-month placements with mentoring, a dedicated placement manager, skills development, help with CVs and job applications plus post-placement support towards future employment.

Kickstart Scheme: Employer's Guide 

The placement provider will also receive support with Adecco handling administration required for payroll, HR and monitoring.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: "The coronavirus crisis has made it much more difficult for young people to find employment and it is vital they are given opportunities to gain workplace experience so that they can go on to have successful careers or even become entrepreneurs themselves.

"Small businesses can be the ideal environment to nurture talent, which is why we wanted to see a range of options available to access Kickstart, including this model which will enable even the smallest employers to provide placements."

Back local talent and support the next generation of apprentices 

Adecco will liaise with Jobcentre plus to identify and recruit young people best suited to the roles available.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey said: "We have opened an important gateway through the Federation of Small Businesses and Adecco Working Ventures to help small employers and sole traders create new life-changing opportunities for young people through our Kickstart scheme.

"This is a crucial part of our Plan for Jobs to create and support jobs across the UK, ensuring help reaches those who need it most and they aren't left without hope or opportunity."