An REC statement said the organisation has been appointed as a ‘gateway organisation’ for an undisclosed number of its members by the Department for Work and Pensions. The participating members will provide training and job placements in their businesses for 16-to-24-year-olds currently on Universal Credit.

The Kickstart scheme was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in July. Under the scheme, employers can apply for funding which covers National Minimum Wage for each six-month placement up to 25 hours a week, as well as the associated National Insurance and employers pension contributions. To be eligible, employers must create a minimum of 30 job placements or apply through a ‘gateway organisation’, such as the REC.

An REC spokesman told Recruiter.co.uk that over 30 REC member companies had signed on in the initial round, “and we have more waiting to participate in round 2”.

“The REC is inviting other members who were not part of the original bid to get in touch if they are interested in participating in our next round,” the statement said.

REC members who are interested in participating in Kickstart can email [email protected] for information.

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