March 16th, 2021.


Back in July 2020, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the £2bn Kickstart Scheme which aimed to provide six months of funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds receiving Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

The Havens Community Hub, in conjunction with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, was one of the first organisations in Sussex to sign up to the scheme when it opened for applications in September 2020. Now, having already filled its first role since the positions were advertised at the start of March, Havens Community Hub is encouraging more potential applicants to come forward via Jobcentre Plus, to apply for other Kickstart placements in the Lewes District.

As well as getting at least 25 hours of employment per week at national minimum wage or higher, young people taking part will receive on-the-job training, skills development, and mentoring.

Hub Community Manager, Dawn Norman, explained: "Youth unemployment can have longstanding implications for future employment and wages. We know young people are leaving educationand entering an extremely difficult job market, made worse by the pandemic, so we are happy to become part of the local solution through the Kickstart scheme. We know our Kickstart placements will enjoy climbing the first rung of the jobs ladder with us on their way to sustainable and successful careers."

For more details about the Kickstart Scheme, go to https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart/