A Cumbrian MP has welcomed the progress of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme which has got 80 young people across Copeland into work.
The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme, which launched in September 2020, pays businesses to create high-quality jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
The scheme gives young people the opportunity to find work, develop their skills, and get a crucial first step on the career ladder.
Figures released this morning reveal that the number of people in employment rose by 160,000 in October – well above pre-pandemic levels.
100,000 young people across the country have now started a Kickstart job across all types of employers, ranging from sole traders to some of the biggest companies in the country. Over 215,000 jobs in total have been made available for young people to apply to across a range of sectors, including digital, creative and media, and retail.
Mrs Harrison said: “The pandemic has been tough for young people, especially those looking for a job. We want to ensure that no young person is left behind as we continue our recovery.
“The Conservative Government’s Kickstart Scheme is helping us deliver on that mission – getting 80 young people into work across Copeland – 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 they will need for the future.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Thérèse Coffey, said: “Kickstart employers in Copeland and up and down the country are giving young people the chance to get on the jobs ladder.
“Having hit the 100,000 milestone, we are now on the last lap and I encourage employers and young people to take advantage of this opportunity as we head towards the finish line of the great Kickstart Scheme.”
