New Scheme To Help Unemployed Young People Across Harborough
Written by HFM News on 25th January 2021
More than 30 unemployed young people across Harborough are set to gain valuable experience in the workplace, thanks to a new initiative.
Harborough District Council’s application to join the national ‘Kickstart’ scheme – submitted on behalf of local firms – has been approved, meaning government funding is being provided to create six-month paid job placements for people aged 16 to 24, currently on Universal Credit.
Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said “Young people nationally have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, as it impacts on the UK economy, so I am delighted that local businesses have embraced this initiative.
“As well as helping businesses gain additional support and grow at this difficult time, it is providing meaningful, paid opportunities for young people in the workplace. Once young people gain valuable work experience and skills, it will significantly increase their employability.”
The Kickstart scheme is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs which aims to create thousands of new, fully-funded, and paid work placements across England, Scotland and Wales.
Greg Tickner, managing director of Panoptic Media Ltd, based at the Harborough Innovation Centre, which is one of the businesses taking part in the scheme, said: “It is a great initiative in the current economic climate, and we are delighted to give young people the chance to join the workforce in an arrangement that is mutually beneficial to them and our business.”
Harborough District Council will be submitting further applications in the future. Any local employers interested in the scheme, should visit the dedicated webpage at www.investinharborough.com/kickstart or email business@harborough.gov.uk
