The British Franchise Association (bfa) reported 710,000 people employed in the UK franchising Industry and a £17.2bn contribution to the UK economy according to the bfa Natwest survey. These numbers make franchising a fantastic place for people to start their careers the bfa are delighted to be partnering with UK Futures to support the government led Kickstart Scheme. The collaboration will support young people, aged 16-25 years, who are seeking work and experience to find this within the franchise community. Working with us on this is David Ward, from UK Futures, who will act as our intermediary with the Department of Work and Pensions.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BFA MEMBERS
The bfa is now able to offer members access to this scheme, and to the funding available from the government. This funding has been specifically allocated to help those who are keen to get into work, but are struggling to find employment in the present climate. As a collective, using this scheme, the bfa and its members will have an opportunity to provide as many young people with jobs within franchising in 2021.
WHAT IS THE KICKSTART SCHEME?
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers, to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit. These placements will give young people a chance to gain vital work skills, and to receive a wage, in what is increasingly becoming a very challenging employment landscape, especially for those with no experience.
This is all part of the government’s larger Plan for Jobs scheme, which aims to create thousands of new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales.
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Funding for each job placement will cover:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week
- The associated employer National Insurance contributions
- Employer minimum automatic enrollment contributions
There will also be additional funding (£1500) to support young people, to build on their experience, and help them move into sustained employment, after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded job.
HOW I DO TO GET INVOLVED?
Please log into the bfa member area of our website to find out more about how you can get involved, and download further information on the kickstart scheme, how it works, and the forms to get started.
For more information about the bfa’s partnership with UK Futures please contact press@thebfa.org