JobStart is a new employer incentive scheme from the Department for Communities (DfC) that will help young people aged 16–24 at risk of long term unemployment to get into the job market by providing government funding for employers to create job opportunities.
What employers need to know about JobStart
Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% government funding to create six-month job opportunities for 16-24 year-olds who are not in employment (or 9 months for those who meet certain criteria).
Young people participating in JobStart will be supported through their job opportunity by Youth Work Coaches in the Department for Communities.
Employer criteria to participate in JobStart
- Employers must be based in Northern Ireland
- Employers of all sizes can participate in the scheme
- Employers in all sectors can participate (including the voluntary and community sector)
- Employers can offer one job or multiple jobs to participate in JobStart
- 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 six-month job opportunity, with a possible extension to 9 months for those who meet certain criteria
- Jobs opportunities must offer at least 25 hours of employment per week
- Jobs offered must pay at least the National Minimum Wage through PAYE
DfC will perform due diligence and financial checks on all employers.
JobStart funding available for employers
For each job opportunity funding will 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
*Employers can offer additional hours but will have to fund the additional hours themselves
There is £1,500 of funding available for each job opportunity for start-up costs to cover any support and training the young person may need e.g. health and safety training, Construction Skills Register (CSR) Card, as well as helping pay for work uniforms, personal protective equipment, etc.
How employers can participate in JobStart
Apply for JobStart
Employers should allow up to 4 weeks for applications to be considered. Any correspondence about applications will be issued by email
How young people can participate in JobStart
Any young person in receipt of Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support or Employment and Support Allowance can participate in the JobStart scheme if they are assessed as being work ready by a Work Coach from the Department for Communities.
Where a young person is not currently claiming an eligible benefit, they should contact the JobStart Team in the Department for Communities on 0300 200 7807 to get information on how to be submitted to the JobStart Scheme.
How employers can promote their participation in JobStart
Employers are free to promote their involvement in the scheme including through social media and on company websites.
Additional information
- Young people taking part in a JobStart opportunity will have the same statutory entitlements as other employees in the company in which they are employed
- Employers will be required to put in place the statutory employer duties for health, safety & welfare for young people, and pay National Insurance & Pension contributions
- Employers must include support for young people to develop their employability skills to help them to reach their full potential
- Employers will commit to providing the Department for Communities with timely, up to date and accurate information, as required
- At the end of the job opportunity period, employers can consider retaining the young person(s)
- Alternatively, the young person will finish the job opportunity, having gained occupational and employability skills to help them find alternative employment or to progress into further education or training opportunities.
