Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Kickstart Scheme

Monday 13 September 2021 · 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 2 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kickstart scheme provides opportunities for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
  • Some employers and constituents have faced frustrations with the scheme's implementation.
  • Youth hubs have been established to support the kickstart programme locally.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Howell
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

MP inquires about the recent assessment of the Kickstart Scheme's progress.

Question

What recent assessment she has made of the progress of the kickstart scheme.

Answer from Mims Davies

Kickstart provides exciting opportunities for young people most at risk of long-term unemployment and with the greatest barriers to progress. Young people are commencing roles daily and thousands are starting each week. New Department for Work and Pensions data released to Parliament today confirms that as of 8 September, we have reached more than 69,000 starts, pleasingly, with more than 188,000 roles remaining for work coaches to refer young people to.

Answered
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Q2 Paul Howell
Employment Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP discusses the frustrations of a constituent, Francesca Harding, who runs Butterwick Kennels in Sedgefield. Harding has encountered issues working with Adecco and Jobcentre Plus due to concerns over advertising rules.

Question

While kickstart has been well received by many, there have been frustrations for some. My constituent, Francesca Harding, who runs Butterwick Kennels in Sedgefield, has been particularly disappointed by the performance of Adecco as a gateway provider and the working relationship with Jobcentre Plus. The rules around advertising positions, citing potential age discrimination and all of that, have frustrated the process of getting young people in. It concerns me whether that is a local misunderstanding or whether we need to look at the rules to get even more young people engaged in these schemes.

Answer from Mims Davies

DWP has worked closely with Adecco Working Ventures to help support young people via kickstart. As a gateway-plus, it plays an important role in allowing sole traders and other small employers to access the scheme. Employers in gateways can promote involvement, including advertising any approved roles, once they have a grant agreement in place. However, referrals of young people to kickstart jobs must be made by work coaches to ensure that candidates are eligible and suitable, but I am happy to look at the case.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges issues with implementation but does not provide concrete steps or changes in rules.

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Q3 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Employment
Context

A constituent, Deb Barrow, runs a recruitment agency and has faced delays in recruiting young people through the Kickstart Scheme.

Question

My constituent Deb Barrow runs a recruitment agency, and she focuses on employing local young people. Unfortunately, the system of kickstart has let her and the local young people of Gower down. It takes, from the point that she gets the job given to her, nearly four to five months for that person to be recruited. That job has by then gone.

Answer from Mims Davies

I am sorry to hear about the hon. Lady's challenges in Gower. We have got 69,000 young people into work, and it is not as simple as getting any young person into any job. We have to work with local people to get the right roles and the right opportunities, so that we get the right outcomes, and I am delighted that her local employer is taking part.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges challenges but does not provide a specific timeline or solution for delays in recruitment.

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Q4 Jake Berry Con
Employment
Context

The MP announces the launch of the first Kickstart programme at a youth hub in Darwen and Blackburn.

Question

On Friday, in the youth hub in Darwen and Blackburn, we launched the first kickstart programme in that sort of venue. We look forward to sharing our experience with the Department, because as you know, Mr Speaker, where Lancashire leads, many others will follow.

Answer from Mims Davies

I am delighted about that additional youth hub. We have around 150 youth hubs open. Most of them are now physical, with a few working virtually. The hub will really make the difference in that community, and I was delighted to join the opening. It will make that change locally for young people.

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