AN AMMANFORD builders merchants has taken advantage of the Government’s £2 billion kickstart scheme designed to put young people on benefits the first in line for roles.

LBS Builders Merchants has registered for the scheme that will pay employers £1,500 for every 16-24 year old they train, the aim being to help those people build the skills they need to find a job.

The Government will fully fund each Kickstart placement - paying 100 per cent of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Employers will be able to top up this wage.

The jobs will give young people – who are more likely to have been furloughed, with many working in sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic - the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long-term work.

Mark Davies, Manging Director at LBS said: “We’re excited to be in the early stages of launching the Kickstart initiative. We will be creating over 30 new placements within the business.

"The scheme is right up our street with its focus on supporting and developing young talent. We look forward to working closely with our local communities across our regions and finding our stars of the future.”

To get involved in the Kickstart scheme, as an employer or intermediary visit gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

Young persons aged 16 to 24 years old in receipt of Universal Credit can talk to a work coach at the Jobcentre about the local ‘Kickstart’ opportunities available.