Mixed reaction to government's £2 billion Kickstart scheme in West Norfolk

Businesses in West Norfolk have mixed feelings towards the Government's Kickstart scheme which launched this week, according to an HR firm based in Lynn.

Peter Lawrence, director of Human Capital Department, said some local businesses he had spoken to were even unaware of the scheme altogether.

The government's new £2 billion Kickstart scheme, aimed at helping people under the age of 24 get into work launched on Wednesday. Under the scheme, employers can offer youngsters aged between 16 and 24 a six-month work placement. The government will fund the Kickstart job, paying the age-related national minimum wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Employers can top up this wage, while the government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement.

It is intended that the jobs will give young people the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.

Peter Lawrence told the Lynn News: "The portal is now open for employers to apply and register their interest in taking on trainees, however only organisations wanting to recruit 30 or more trainees can apply at this stage. I know Tesco have committed to recruit 1,000 trainees across the country but that is the only big employer I am aware of.

"Some local employers are unaware or ambivalent towards the scheme. I met with a group of small businesses from Lynn a couple of weeks ago, online, and discussed the scheme but some of the group were concerned about the work ethic of young people and that they would need a lot of supervision.

"Similarly, speaking with a director of one of Lynn's larger employers this week, he was unaware of the scheme. That said I have been in touch with several larger concerns – including G's, which I think is the largest employer in the region and several other SME businesses who seemed positive.

"Smaller employers, wanting to take less than 30 trainees, will need to register through a third party – but I'm not sure why. I spoke with the Minister for Employment last week and she mentioned that the Chamber of Commerce or LEP may act as third party between Jobcentre Plus and the smaller employers.

"I am thinking Human Capital Department could apply to be an intermediary as I do see a need to help employers and trainees in recruitment and selection, training and on-placement."

The scheme, which will be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions will initially be open until December 2021, with the option of being extended.