THE Shropshire branch of the Job Centre Plus is set to welcome applicants to a new employment kickstart scheme.

The Kickstart campaign will see the UK Government invest in Shropshire businesses to help create new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country.

Ben Vaughan, Shropshire employer manager for Job Centre Plus, said: “Employers can use the Kickstart Scheme to create brand new six-month job placements for young people (16-24) who are currently on Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance.”

“This is great news for our 16-24 year old jobseekers claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance and all our employers in Shropshire. For our jobseekers, the job placements should support them to gain the vital experience they need to get that first foot on the career ladder.

“For our employers, the kickstart scheme funding will cover 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contribution, which will allow them to bring a keen, enthusiastic young person into their business at no cost to themselves. Any business can look to bid for funding.”