100% funding for new jobstart programme

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100% government funding is available to employers to create 6-month job opportunities for 16-24-year-olds who are not in employment (or 9-months for those who meet certain criteria).

The new JobStart Scheme is a program designed to help young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment get into the job market. Employers of all sizes and in all sectors, including the voluntary and community organisations can participate

Employer Key Facts

  • Employers can offer one job or multiple jobs (depending on the number of staff currently in permanent employment)
  • JobStart opportunities must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices, or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
  • Jobs offered must provide a 6-month opportunity, with a possible extension to 9- months for those who meet certain criteria.
  • Job opportunities must offer at least 25 hours of employment per week.
  • Jobs must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (for the participant’s age group) through PAYE.

Employer Financial Benefits

For each job opportunity employers will receive funding to cover:

  • 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours of work per week*
  • The associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

For further information please visit

Apply for JobStart Scheme funding | Department for Communities (communities-ni.gov.uk)