Kickstart
East Lothian Council is a Kickstart 'Gateway' and an Employer
We are currently supporting 22 businesses in the East Lothian area and providing 55 opportunities to young people in East Lothian.
We continue to act as a gateway organisation, and support businesses applying for Kickstart placements, as well as the young people that undertake placements.
Kickstart placements supported by East Lothian Council will also receive additional funding support to ensure that all those on placement with or through East Lothian Council receive the Real Living Wage.
The Kickstart scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 18 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:
- 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months
- associated employer National Insurance contributions
- employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Information for businesses
The Kickstart scheme has changed.
You no longer need a minimum of 30 job placements to apply directly for a grant.
You can now apply for a Kickstart scheme grant by either:
- applying online yourself
- getting help from a Kickstart gateway who is already working with the Kickstart Scheme
You can apply for a Kickstart grant directly online: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant or contact East Lothian Works to apply, through East Lothian Council as a gateway employer: elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk
Young Person's Guarantee
As part of the Young Person's Guarantee, East Lothian Works is offering to extend Kickstart places by an additional 6 months, and if you wish to pay the Scottish Real Living Wage to your Kickstart placement we will use YPG money to cover this increase in salary. We are also using YPG money to provide our own Jumpstart Scheme.
We would also encourage employers to contact us about funding opportunities for employers: elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk
