The government's Kickstart Scheme to help 16-24 year olds into work, has been made simpler for employers.

Previously, employers which offered less than 30 placements had to apply for the scheme through a Kickstart Gateway, including Gloucestershire College or Gloucestershire County Council. Now employers can choose to apply directly to the DWP for a Kickstart grant if they want to - or they can continue to choose to work through a Kickstart Gateway.

The Kickstart Scheme provides paid placements for 16-24 years on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term employment.

The scheme pays the full National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 25 hours per week for six months. It also pays employers £1,500 per placement for set-up costs.

By taking part in the scheme, a business will give an unemployed person a potentially life changing opportunity to start a new career, as well as helping upskill a new generation and play a part in the wider post-pandemic economic recovery.

Start dates for the Kickstart Scheme can be staggered right until 31st December 2021.

Find out more about the scheme and apply for a grant here.