Berwick’s MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan was pleased to fulfil a much-awaited visit [postponed from lockdown] to Farplace Animal Rescue shop in Berwick on Friday to catch up with Chief Executive Gareth Edwards, and meet the two employees he has taken on as part of the government’s Kickstart Scheme, which provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds who would otherwise be on Universal Credit.
The £2 billion scheme focuses on young people and supports those at risk of long term unemployment into paid, six month placements across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Employers need to show that the Kickstart role is an additional job that will provide the experience and support a young person needs to improve their chances of permanent employment.
Funding available for each job covers the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions where applicable. Over 100,000 young people have benefitted from the Scheme to date, and the Scheme was extended to allow roles to be started up until 31 March 2022.
Anne-Marie said: “For young people a lack of real-world work experience can be a barrier to getting a foot on the jobs ladder, so the Kickstart Scheme is a fantastic way to help young people gain experience and confidence, build skills and boost their career prospects. I was delighted to meet Luke and Ross who are part of the Scheme at Farplace in Berwick, and of course to speak to Gareth about how well Farplace is doing and their 20 new shops.”
Farplace Animal Rescue has a series of shops across the north of England, with the Marygate store being the most northerly. The store is dog friendly as you would expect, and is always in need of clothing, furniture and more.
Photos: Anne-Marie with Kickstarters Ross and Luke, and with charity CEO Gareth Edwards.