Call for jewellers to register interest with NAJ for government Kickstart Scheme

05 Oct 2020

Jewellers from all areas of the sector who would like to register an interest in the government’s Kickstart scheme can do so with the National Association of Jewellers.

The Kickstart Scheme was announced in September as part of the Chancellor’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ and provides funding to employers to create new 6-month job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who are currently on Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

As the leading body for Jewellers in the UK, The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) is inviting members to register an interest before a deadline of Monday 12th October, in order for the trade body to act as an employer representative and assist smaller businesses to access the support.

Head of Education, Marie Garnett said,

“We’re keen to help particularly smaller jewellery businesses who would not be able to access the scheme directly due to their size. By registering as an employer representative the Association can ensure that the work placements become available, but we do need to apply for a minimum number.

“The placements are quite flexible, and can include activities such as marketing and business development, as well as manufacturing and retail, which could provide valuable commercial assistance with COVID-19 ongoing.”

The scheme is aiming to create hundreds and thousands of new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales and the first placements are likely to be available from November, however placements do not need to commence immediately as the start date can be up to the end of June 2021.

Funding will cover for each job placement:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
• the associated employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions.

Upon completion of the scheme, the government is also planning additional funding to support young people move into sustained employment.

Members can register an interest in the scheme with the NAJ’s Education team, by emailing education@naj.co.uk.

More details on Kickstart

Register an interest with NAJ

Source: The National Association of Jewellers