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Combined Authority aims to take the lead on delivering Kickstart Scheme for SMEs across the region

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Combined Authority aims to take the lead on delivering Kickstart Scheme for SMEs across the region

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority is helping small and medium sized businesses across the region take advantage of the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The £2 billion scheme aims to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality 6-month work placements to those aged 16 to 24 who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

Employers can bid for funding based on offering 30 placements and where individual employers cannot offer 30 placements, they are being directed to Gateway Organisations who will coordinate placements and tender for funding in batches of 30.

At a meeting on Wednesday, November 9th the Combined Authority’s Skills Committee recommended that the organisation operate as a Gateway Organisation for the Kickstart Scheme across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.

Subject to approval at the Combined Authority Board meeting on Wednesday, November 25th the Combined Authority’s Growth Hub will help employers looking to create less than 30 placements to access the scheme and create placements for young people across the region.

To date the Growth Hub has been contacted by over 200 local businesses looking to access the scheme through a Gateway Organisation and in partnership with Cambridgeshire Chamber Of Commerce and the Department for Work and Pensions the Combined Authority has organised a webinar for businesses to learn more about the scheme on Thursday, November 19th at 14.00.

Businesses interested in creating placements through the Kickstart Scheme or attending next week’s webinar should email kickstart@cpcagrowthhub.co.uk.

James Palmer, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough said:

“The Kickstart Scheme is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to create fully subsidised jobs for young people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

“All small and medium sized businesses who are interested in creating even just one Kickstart placement can take part by applying through the Combined Authority.

“Anyone who wants to offer opportunities to young people could and should make the most of this scheme.

“I would urge businesses to try and attend the webinar we are running with the Chamber Of Commerce and DWP, it will give employers an opportunity to understand how the scheme works and ask any questions they might have.

“I want to give our businesses all the support they need to access this scheme and help young people stay economically active, develop new skills and build a rewarding career.”