Chancellor of the Exchequer announces a ‘kickstart scheme’ to help get young people into work

The scheme will offer Government-subsided jobs for young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

It will provide at least the national living wage along with 25 hours of work per week and on the job training.

The announcement comes in the same week as WHSmiths, JD Wetherspoon and William Hill who have all confirmed job cuts will take place due to the effects of the coroanvirus pandemic.

In an interview with BBC Breakfast on Friday, August 7, Mr Sunak believes young people are most at risk in a time of crisis and the scheme will help to protect their long-term prospects.

He said: “That will help a generation of young people get into the labour market.

“Young people, in particular, are most at risk in a crisis like this and we want to protect their prospects for the long-term.

“If they don’t have a job early in their career, that will have a negative impact on them for many years to come.”

The chancellor also confirmed that the Government is increasing incentives for businesses to take on new apprentices.

He added: “We also significantly increased the cash incentives for businesses to take on new apprenticeships, £2,000 to take on a young apprentice, £1,500 to take on an apprentice over the age of 25.

“That’s a great way for people to get into work and earn and learn at the same time.”

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