Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell has visited the town’s job centre to hear about how the Government’s Kickstart employment programme for young people is being rolled out locally.
Caroline went to the building in St Anne’s Road, Eastbourne on Friday and spoke with the centre's team who are finding candidates for the 125 Kickstarter opportunities available in the area.
She also committed to having her own Kickstarter in her team from September in a research and admin role.
The £2 billion scheme is for young people aged 16 to 24 so they can undertake a six-month work placement if they are claiming Universal Credit.
The Government will pay their wages, National Insurance and pension for 25 hours a week. Employers can top up the wage and the Government will also pay employers to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement.
“Young people have been hit very hard by the pandemic and I am really pleased and supportive of the Government establishing this scheme to help find good quality work for those who need a helping hand,” said Caroline.
“With the staycation boom in full swing in our town and a shortage of people to fill jobs, I hope many young people will be able to get on the jobs ladder anyway. But Kickstart is a further tool we have to bounce back from Covid and I believe it is a good use of taxpayers’ money because it is investing in our young people.
“Many thanks to the JobCentre Plus team for all it is doing and for the tireless work it put in during the pandemic. It was a pleasure to meet them and be updated on the situation and I am looking forward to being involved in Kickstart this autumn.”
