REC to support youth employment as a Kickstart gateway organisation

New job placements will be created in the recruitment industry for young people following a successful bid by the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) to the government’s Kickstart scheme.   

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

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.*

Kate Shoesmith, Deputy CEO of the REC, said:

“Covid-19 is having a profound impact on jobs and young people entering the labour market are among the worst affected. We know from experience that the effect of unemployment on young people’s future career and earnings can be catastrophic. So I am proud that the REC was quick off the mark in making this bid and is able to facilitate our members in creating jobs and training opportunities for young people currently on Universal Credit. We are looking forward to supporting our members to make their placements a success and showing what good recruitment is about.

“The Kickstart scheme uses temporary work as a stepping-stone to get young people into employment – an approach the REC knows to work. It’s great to see so many excellent recruiters stepping up to help. There’s room for more so any of our members who wish to get involved should get in touch.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• *REC members who are interested in participating in Kickstart can email policy@rec.uk.com to find out how. 
• The Kickstart scheme was announced by the Chancellor 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’.

For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. Outside of regular office hours, please call 07702 568 829.