Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kickstart Scheme

Monday 25 January 2021 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kickstart scheme has created 120,000 opportunities with 2,000 young people already employed.
  • Over 10,000 jobs are currently available, with an expectation of 33,000 more placements soon.
  • Department has recruited an additional 13,500 work coaches to support job placement initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Clarkson
Employment
Context

The MP notes that as lockdown restrictions ease, there is a need to increase the engagement of young people in the kickstart programme.

Question

What steps she plans to take to increase the participation of young people in the kickstart scheme as covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased. Kickstart has created 120,000 opportunities but there is a need to ensure more young people benefit from these jobs.

Answer from Therese Coffey

Kickstart has got off to a flying start with 120,000 kickstart jobs approved and 2,000 young people already started. Around 10,000 jobs are available now and we expect further 33,000 placements soon as we work with employers to finalise job offers.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Chris Clarkson
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP acknowledges the success of the kickstart scheme but seeks measures to ensure core jobcentre offerings are available to all age groups as recovery progresses.

Question

Kickstart is a fantastic programme that has created 120,000 opportunities for young people in Heywood and Middleton and around the country. However, the core jobcentre offering will be crucial as we move towards recovery. What measures are being taken to ensure these services are available to people of all ages?

Answer from Therese Coffey

While kickstart is the flagship plan, we have recruited extra 13,500 work coaches throughout the pandemic. We prioritise helping people get back into work through sector-based work academy programmes, boosting job entry targeted support, and launching job funding support nationally.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Seema Malhotra Labour (Co-op) Feltham and Heston
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP criticises the DWP's reported delay in implementing the kickstart programme, noting that fewer than 2,000 young people have started placements despite its announcement six months ago and half a million young people being out of work.

Question

Today, the DWP announced more than 120,000 kickstart jobs created but only 2,000 placements are available now. The Secretary of State mentioned delays resulting in fewer placements coming on stream. With the scheme announced six months ago and over half a million young people out of work, why is it that fewer than 2,000 have started? Is not the Secretary of State who needs to move up a gear so we can secure our economy and get our young people into jobs?

Answer from Therese Coffey

We have had a record number of applications, creating more job placements than ever achieved by the future jobs fund. We are working to roll out these jobs around the country with high-quality training and wraparound support as we aim to secure placements through year-end.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific measures to expedite kickstart placement starts

How: Rolling Out Jobs Around The Country

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)