Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, has welcomed the release of new figures showing that the Government’s Kickstart Scheme has already helped 80 young people across High Peak get into work.
The Scheme—aimed at delivering more job opportunities for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit—has in total got over 100,000 young people into work since its launch in September 2020.
The £2 billion scheme gives young people the opportunity to find work, develop their skills, and get a crucial first step on the career ladder.
Figures released yesterday reveal that the number of people in employment rose by 160,000 in October—well above pre-pandemic levels.
Over 215,000 jobs have been made available for young people to apply to across a range of sectors. On average, over 3,400 young people have started a Kickstart job each week this month, and the Scheme was recently extended until March 2022.
As part of the Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme builds on the Government’s existing steps to get more people into work as we recover from the pandemic.
Other measures in the Plan for Jobs include doubling the number of work coaches; the £2.9 billion Restart Scheme—helping over 1 million long-term unemployed people find work; and the Job Entry Targeted Support (JETS) scheme—supporting those unemployed for over 3 months; and the Lifetime Skills Guarantee—offering 11 million adults a free qualification at any point in their life.
This news follows last month’s first-ever High Peak Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair hosted by local MP Robert Largan. Working with local job centres, local authorities, charities and other partners, hundreds of local people attended the event, with over 40 major employers present.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:
“These are difficult times. I know that many people still fear losing their jobs, being unable to pay their rent or mortgage and bills.
“The pandemic has been particularly tough for young people—especially those looking for a job. I am determined to ensure that no young person is left behind as we continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
“The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is helping us deliver on that mission—getting 80 young people into work across the High Peak—as part of the 100,000 helped nationwide.
“This will give more young people the best possible start in the workplace—helping them get a high wage, high skilled job for the future.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey commented:
“Kickstart employers in High Peak and up and down the country are giving young people the chance to get on the jobs ladder.
“Having hit the 100,000 milestone, I encourage employers and young people to take advantage of this opportunity as we head towards the conclusion of the great Kickstart scheme.”
