Employers in St Albans District are urged to join the Kickstart Scheme which offers funding to create job opportunities for 16 to 24-year olds.
The Government launched the initiative to provide six-month job placements for young people who are on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
St Albans City and District Council is promoting the scheme as part of the Jobs Forum it has set up with a number of partners to lessen the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Councillor Mandy McNeil, portfolio holder for business, tourism and culture, said: “This is a great chance for local companies and not-for-profits to take on some additional staff at no cost to themselves.
“They would also be giving a break to some of the District’s young people whose lives have been so disrupted by the public health emergency.
“I hope organisations from all sectors of our local economy will take people on so they can gain valuable workplace experience, new skills and training that will set them up for more permanent positions.”
The funding will cover the national minimum wage for a 25-hour working week, employer National Insurance payments and automatic enrolment contributions.
St Albans Jobs Forum is a partnership led by the council that was created because of an anticipated rise in unemployment in the wake of COVID-19.
It includes representatives from Job Centre Plus, St Albans Chamber of Commerce, Oaklands College, St Albans BID and St Albans Enterprise Agency.
St Albans BID is acting as an intermediary for City Centre hospitality and retail businesses, supporting them in making applications for funding.
The Council also hopes to provide Kickstart placements itself and has raised awareness of the scheme among its contractors.
Further information and details about how to apply have been published on the council’s website stalbans.gov.uk/business-support-services
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