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This guide is for union reps - understanding coronavirus and workplace issues, employer negotiations and how best protect the workforce

Coronavirus - Guidance for unions

Kickstart and trade unions

Recognising our calls for support for young workers, the government introduced a new national £2 billion employment scheme for 16-24-year olds, called Kickstart.

We want to make sure the Kickstart scheme, and the jobs created, are as effective as possible at doing that – creating long term jobs and giving young workers the experience of good quality work.

We have called for Kickstart to deliver:

Good quality jobs with training built in
Additional jobs of real value to the community
The programme must be based on equality from the start
Employers should top up wages

Now that the scheme is up and running, workplace reps and activists have an opportunity to talk to their employer about this and engage new young workers using the scheme.

Kickstart - An introduction for union activists

This briefing on Kickstart is designed for union activists. We look at what it does and why it is important, and how unions can best engage in the programme. Read the briefing

Webinar: Introduction to the Kickstart scheme - what union reps need to know

Date: Wednesday 25 November, 2pm

Join us to find out more about the government Kickstart scheme to help tackle youth unemployment and how it can be used in your workplace. We’ll be asking:

What is the Kickstart scheme and how does it help young workers?
What are the requirements of employers who want to set up the scheme?
How can reps ensure employers go above and beyond government recommendations to support young workers?

Register

What is the Kickstart scheme?

The government introduced a new national £2 billion Kickstart scheme in July 2020. The intention is to support around 250,000 jobs of six months for 16-24-year-olds.

Any young person taking part in the scheme claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment is eligible for these opportunities. Only the work coach at the job centre can refer the young participant.

The scheme is now launched and the first places will start in November. The scheme is due to end in December 2021 and as placements will last for six months the scheme should close in May/June 2021. The scheme is open to the public, private and voluntary sector. More information.

Kickstart, the job creation scheme for young people, has to be a success

TUC policy officer, Anjum Klair writes about youth unemployment and the impact of the pandemic. Read Anjum's blog.

If you want to give us feedback and share your experiences of the scheme, you can do that here - Kickstart feedback from trade unions.

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