Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kickstart Scheme: Young People

Monday 14 September 2020 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is collaborating with employers to encourage participation in the Kickstart scheme.
  • The Minister highlighted the potential establishment of a youth hub in Ipswich to support the scheme.
  • Steps are being taken to ensure that rural areas and smaller companies can participate in the Kickstart scheme.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The Kickstart scheme aims to provide six-month job placements for young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment. This question seeks clarity on the Department's actions with employers.

Question

What steps her Department is taking with employers to help ensure as many young people as possible benefit from the Kickstart scheme?

Answer from Mims Davies

My Department is working closely across Government to encourage all employers, big and small, to apply for the kickstart scheme. I urge all colleagues to work with their local jobcentre networks to help us to deliver this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete steps taken or commitments made by the Department beyond general encouragement.

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Q2 Tom Hunt
Employment
Context

The Kickstart scheme offers six-month job placements to young people facing challenges. The MP highlights the role of local charities and employers in providing support through this programme.

Question

The six-month job placement created by the kickstart scheme will be a vital way in which we can help young people in Ipswich to get on the careers ladder during the current challenges. Will the Minister also place a high priority on the excellent wellbeing and skills programmes run by charities such as Inspire Suffolk in my constituency, which are setting young people up with exactly the kind of support network and knowledge that they need at a vital time in their lives?

Answer from Mims Davies

I thank my hon. Friend for raising the scheme, which is really positive news for his constituency, adding to much similar work across his constituency. Our work coach recruitment is now open in Ipswich and we are looking at a potential youth hub locally, so there is good news in Ipswich.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly confirm prioritisation for local charity programmes or specify any concrete actions beyond mentioning a youth hub.

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Q3 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Employment
Context

The Kickstart scheme provides six-month job placements for young people. The MP questions how small rural businesses can fully participate, given that some may not be able to offer the required number of places.

Question

I warmly welcome the kickstart scheme, which is a vital step to ensuring the future prosperity of so many young people across our country. In Buckinghamshire, organisations such as Buckinghamshire Business First are helping to co-ordinate firms that cannot offer as many as 30 places. What steps is my hon. Friend taking at national level to ensure that small rural businesses are able fully to participate?

Answer from Mims Davies

I am delighted with the interest in the kickstart scheme across the country, including in rural areas, and including smaller companies in that is key. We want applicants from across the country to benefit by bidding for those placements , perhaps via an intermediary or gateway organisation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps at national level; instead suggested use of intermediaries without concrete details.

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Q4 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Employment
Context

The Kickstart scheme is part of a broader effort to help young people recover from the effects of the pandemic and secure future opportunities. The MP asks about additional support available.

Question

From the jobs plan I know that my hon. Friend is determined to do what it takes to help young people find access to the work that is so vital to their futures. What other support is available, in addition to the kickstart scheme, that will help young people in Basildon and Thurrock to recover from the effects of the pandemic and secure future opportunities?

Answer from Mims Davies

My hon. Friend is exactly right, and we are rolling out youth hubs across the country so that our young people can access that important wider support. Those hubs will be co-located and co-delivered with our network of external partners, including members of the youth employment group.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details about additional support measures beyond mentioning youth hubs without concrete actions or commitments.

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