Young people from across South Ayrshire took advantage of the summer weather at a ‘unique and innovative’ outdoor employment fair.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans was full of praise for the event, organised by the Department for Work and Pensions, last week.

“I was pleased to be able to take part in the Kickstart in the Park Event held at Dam Park in Ayr,” said Mr Dorans.

“The event organised by the Department of Work and Pensions brought together over 30 employers from all over Ayrshire with Kickstart Vacancies, and was attended by well over 100 young people seeking a Kickstart placement.

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Among the groups involved were East Ayrshire Carers Centre, who Mr Dorans said ‘do an absolutely fantastic job of looking after our young carers’, and DWP staff from across Ayrshire who organised what he described as a ‘unique and innovative event’.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

  • 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months, associated employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.
  • A £1,500 grant per job is available for setup costs and supporting the young person to develop their employability skills.

If you’re an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

For further information please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-kickstart-scheme-grant.