New schemes aim to kick-start employment
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AS the economic effects of lockdown continue to be reflected in higher unemployment figures, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have unveiled extra measures for employers and employees alike in the north-east and beyond.
Latest figures released by the DWP show that overall Scottish Universal Credit claimants have risen to 458,263 in June from 264,109 in March
Minister for Employment Mims Davies said: “We know that people are worried about their livelihoods which is why we’ve put in place a Plan for Jobs.
"A crucial part of that is doubling the number of frontline Work Coaches so that every jobseeker gets support to find work as well as launching the Kickstart scheme to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.”
From March 1, this year to June 11, the DWP has received more than 5.4 million individual claims for Universal Credit.
The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme will provide high quality, six month placements from Autumn this year. Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100 per cent of the national minimum wage for 25 hours a week – and employers will be able to top this wage up. The scheme will be focused on supporting young people who are on Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment.
This is joined by an Expanded Youth Offer to support 18 to 24-year-olds. This will include a 13-week programme and once completed participants will be encouraged to take up work-related training or an apprenticeship. Further support will be provided through Youth Employment Coaches and Youth Hubs based in the community.
The government is also set to provide £40 million to fund external capacity to introduce a job finding support service in the UK.
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