BUSINESSES in Winsford are being urged to take part in a new £2 billion scheme to get young people into work.
The Government has launched its Kickstart scheme, which is aimed at supporting 16 to 24-year-olds who are at risk of being left behind in a labour market hit by Covid-19.
It will subsidise six-month work placements for Universal Credit claimants in the age group who are out of work and facing long-term unemployment.
Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that as recently as June, there were 2,938 people aged 16 to 24 in Cheshire West who would qualify for the scheme.
Edward Timpson, Conservative MP for Eddisbury, is now urging businesses in his constituency to get behind the scheme and help give young people a chance.
He said: “We cannot allow young people to be left behind as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and schemes like this are vital for creating jobs and giving young people the skills to access them.
“I’m delighted that the Conservative Government is putting young people at the heart of its plans to build back stronger after the pandemic, and hope as many as possible in Eddisbury are able to take part.”
Under the scheme, the state will pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for someone on a placement.
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It will also cover the national minimum wage, plus national insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.
The scheme is set to run until December 2021.
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