ADVICE is being given to young people about the employment support available.

Cumbria Chamber of Commerce is urging young people aged between 16 to 24 and not working to check their eligibility for Universal Credit in order to apply for amazing Kickstart roles in Cumbria.

The Chamber is acting as a Gateway for the Government’s Kickstart Placement scheme. The scheme offers 16 to 24-year olds on Universal Credit a 25 hours a week, 6 month placement, with the opportunity for businesses to top up their hours.

A variety of roles are available, with more coming on stream all the time such as roles in radio, human resources, and social media and digital marketing. Roles on offer can be seen on the Chamber website: https://www.cumbriachamber.co.uk/policy-and-representation/kickstart-placement-vacancies. The list is constantly updated.

Anyone in the eligible age range who is already out of work or leaving education is advised to look at the roles on offer, and, if not already registered, consider signing on to Universal Credit so they can take advantage of the opportunities.

Eve Halliday, Business Growth Manager of Cumbria Chamber, and the Chamber’s Kickstart Coordinator, said: “It’s been a tough year for everyone but businesses are more eager than ever to recruit and retain new, fresh talent. Just because the job market isn’t what many hoped it would be, doesn’t mean that there aren’t amazing opportunities there to start or reboot a great career.

“If you’re on Universal Credit already do take a look and talk to your Work Coach.

“Many people are missing out because they’re not registered for Universal Credit, perhaps because they’re being subsidised by parents and don’t feel they need the money.

“Many more are leaving education and looking for where they go now, possibly planning a gap year abroad that’s not now feasible.

“There are some incredible Kickstart placements available, which many employers are wanting to turn into full time roles or apprenticeships.”

Universal Credit supports those out of work, cannot work or are on a low income. Once signed on to Universal Credit, applicants must enquire and apply for roles at their local Jobcentre.

The Kickstart Placement scheme is subsidised with the Government paying 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage for a minimum 25-hour week for six months, plus National Insurance and pension contributions.

Employers also receive £1,500 per Kickstart placement to be used towards support, training, uniforms and set-up costs. Though wages are paid to minimum 25 hours a week, organisations can top up wages at their discretion.

For more information on Universal Credit and Kickstart placements head to your local jobcentre.