Businesses can now access the new Youth Jobs Grant, which the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) has highlighted could help meat processors reduce the cost of recruiting and training young people.
Funding of up to £3,000 per eligible recruit will be available, with Government stating that up to 60,000 people aged 18-24 will be assisted in taking their first steps into work over the next three years.
The grant is being introduced as the Government aims to reinforce its commitment to tackling youth unemployment by rolling out intensive support in Jobcentres for almost a million young people across the country.
The funding is intended to support the additional costs of recruiting someone with limited work experience, including induction, training, mentoring and supervision during the first few months of employment. Rather than replacing normal recruitment, the grant is designed to encourage employers to offer opportunities to young people who may otherwise struggle to enter the labour market.
The grant is paid in two instalments:
- £1,800 after approximately two months of employment.
- £1,200 after around five months, provided the employee remains in work and the scheme conditions have been met.
The scheme is aimed at young people who are aged 18-24, have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more and are referred through the Department for Work and Pensions.
BMPA stated that for its members, the scheme offered an opportunity to reduce the cost of recruiting and training new entrants while helping to build a stronger domestic workforce.
The Association went on to say that the meat processing sector continues to invest heavily in domestic recruitment, training and workforce development. The Youth Jobs Grant Scheme can reportedly help employers:
- Reduce the upfront costs of recruiting new entrants
- Build a pipeline of future skilled workers
- Access pre-screened candidates through Jobcentre Plus
- Support young people into long-term employment
- Complement existing apprenticeship and workforce development programmes.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated: “Young people want the chance to work, earn, learn and build a better future. That’s why the Government is backing employers large and small with a £3,000 grant to take a chance on young people who are ready to work and need that first step on the ladder, and subsidised work for those who face more challenges.”
