(from left) Dame Andrea Leadsom; Stuart Perry and Sigourney Moore from the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus; Alison Field from the West Northamptonshire Council Job Club; WNC senior economic growth officer Julia Raven and economic growth officer Louis Devayya
Young people at risk of long-term unemployment in West Northamptonshire are the focus of a partnership between local and central government employment support schemes.
Employers with vacancies to fill met with people aged between 16 and 24 who are on Universal Credit and unemployed at the launch of the Kickstart Scheme run by West Northamptonshire Council and JobCentre Plus Northampton.
The scheme follows in the footsteps of the successful Job Club run by the former South Northamptonshire District Council, which has found jobs for hundreds of residents since its launch 12 years ago by local MP Andrea Leadsom.
Dame Andrea, MP for South Northamptonshire, said: “This event is just another example of the fantastic work West Northamptonshire Council is doing to support the community and grow the economy.
“I am passionate about ensuring residents can access local jobs and want every employer within my constituency to benefit from this free support.”
The Kickstart Scheme provides employers with 100 per cent of the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage for 25 hours per week for six months. The scheme ends in March and West Northamptonshire Council is keen for residents and employers to benefit. It aims to ensure residents can secure jobs in West Northamptonshire and enable employers to find skilled staff to grow their workforce.
Cllr Lizzy Bowen, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “Our economy team is available to support every member of the community and businesses of all size..”
Employers Kartsim, Moorgate Finance, Silverstone Heritage and Kazpers/McDonald’s were at the launch to talk to potential employees.