New Burnley Council scheme will boost job hopes for young people

The scheme provides Government funding to employers to create new job placements for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

The council has identified 11 potential placements across the authority.

Placements last for a six-month fixed term and although there is no guarantee of permanent employment with the council at the end of the contract, the scheme does give young people experience and new skills and they will be encouraged and supported to apply for suitable vacancies within the authority if and when they arise.

Coun. Sue Graham, the council's executive member for resources and performance management, said: "Burnley Council is proud to be supporting a scheme that helps unemployed young people into work.

"This will always be a top priority, but even more so as we start to recover from the effects of Covid-19 on our local and national economies.

“The council can offer young people a wide range of experience and give them a solid platform on which to acquire the skills and knowledge for the rest of their working life."

Coun. Asif Raja, executive member for economy and growth, said: "This is an excellent scheme aimed at assisting the borough’s economic recovery.

"I'm very happy that Burnley Council is supporting it. I'd encourage other employers across the borough to look into getting involved with Kickstart and bringing more of our young people off benefits and into work.

“This is something that can help shape a brighter future for them."

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