BUSINESSES are being encouraged to take part in a £2 billion Government scheme that aims to create jobs.

The UK Government's Kickstart scheme is providing funding to employers so that they can create six-month job placements, in the hopes that it will tackle long-term unemployment in young people.

Employers of all sizes will receive funding to offer new roles, further funding will then be on offer to help young people develop those skills for long term employment.

For each new job placement, funding will cover 100 per cent of the national minimum wage for 25 hours per week, the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. To take part visit: gov.uk/kickstart