East Midlands Chamber renews offer to help Notts employers after changes to Kickstart job creation scheme

Gateway providers are organisations such as further education FE and skills providers who can coordinate a clutch of placements to reach the minimum 30 previously required for support from the Government Kickstart scheme.

On Monday, January 25, Chancellor Rishi Sunak removed the minimum requirement, meaning businesses can now apply directly for support with smaller numbers of placements.

But gateway providers, like the chamber itself, still offer some advantages according to its deputy chief executive Diane Beresford.

She said: “Using a gateway removes the headache of the Kickstart application process and ensures businesses receive the full support they need when submitting an application, as well as filling the vacancy with help in tasks such as writing job adverts.

“The chamber has pledged to work with employers and the young people they hire during the placement to identify any suitable progression opportunities, while we are also able to manage and deliver the mandatory employability support programmes on their behalf with additional sector-based workshops.”

She added: “All this free support means companies can concentrate on what they do best – running their business, while giving opportunities for the young people that extends far beyond the initial six-month period.”

The chamber has so far helped to facilitate 887 new roles across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, with applications pending for 900 more.

The Department for Work and Pensions will provide a £1,500 grant to employers for each six-month placement created for someone aged 16-24. For each placement, gateway providers receive £300 to support administrative costs.

Diane said: “We’re proud of the role we’re playing in supporting businesses to secure approval for these placements. G ateways as an essential support mechanism for businesses to provide a helping hand navigating what can be complex bureaucracy.”

To find out more contact Pieter Eksteen on 07468 474307 or [email protected].

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