Recommendation 20

The Restart scheme has seen an underspend against its budget since it was launched in 2021. Despite this, strict eligibility criteria mean that many people who would benefit from the support of the programme are not able to access help. Where there are programme underspends or lower than expected uptake of schemes, as seen with Kickstart and Restart, the Department should allow people who are economically inactive and meet the programme’s other criteria to access support. These programmes need to be well publicised in places that have regular contact with the key demographics. This might include advertising in GP surgeries, youth centres and housing associations to ensure economically inactive people are made aware of the available help. (Paragraph 125) Employment support services and getting people into work