Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
The Department said that Kickstart is “in many ways a flagship” scheme.
Conclusion
The Department said that Kickstart is “in many ways a flagship” scheme. However, it operates alongside a range of other types of support that the department provides.82 The Association for Convenience Stores told us that the large range of support schemes can mean that some smaller employers are hesitant to engage, as they have to consider the suitability of their business and the costs and benefits of Kickstart, apprenticeships, and other schemes they might get involved with.83 The Department told us that it had worked with the Department for Education to ensure that employers could still get incentives 75 Q27. 76 Q82; C&AG’s Report, paragraph 21. 77 Q80, C&AG’s Report, paragraph 3.24. 78 Qq78, 97. 79 Q32. 80 Ev x Catch-22. 81 Ev x Prince’s Trust. 82 Q2. 83 Association for Convenience Stores. DWP Employment Support: Kickstart Scheme 17 to take on Kickstart participants as apprentices after Kickstart, although it was not able to provide a clear answer as to how the Department, or the Department for Education, ensures that businesses know about this option when a Kickstart job placement ends.84
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 6.2 Work coach discretion is fundamental to the department’s approach to supporting people into employment. Using a tailored approach, work coaches are empowered to identify the right support for the customer. Young people aged 16-24, receiving Universal Credit and in the intensive work search regime can access the department’s Youth Offer. This offers wrap- around support through the 13-week Youth Employment Programme, complemented by joined-up local delivery through the department’s Youth Hubs and specialist Youth Employability Coaches. 6.3 Work coaches offer support throughout the Kickstart job, including through voluntary month one and four interventions. At the four-month stage, support is focused on whether the young person will remain with the Kickstart employer, or whether they will be looking for other work. Advice focuses on the most suitable options for the young person following Kickstart job completion, including apprenticeships. 6.4 Through the Way to Work campaign, the department has built on the experience of Kickstart and the many new relationships developed with employers. Many of these employers may have never considered recruiting from Jobcentres before the delivery of the Kickstart Scheme and some are now retaining former Kickstart participants as apprentices or in other full-time roles. The department actively works with employers, both nationally and locally, to understand their recruitment and skills needs across sectors to better tailor support and promote employment schemes and apprenticeships. 6.5 Comprehensive guidance for DWP colleagues assists them in supporting those young people who return to claiming Universal Credit following a Kickstart job. The guidance covers an extensive range of resources available to young people with the aim of moving them into work, building on the experience from their Kickstart job.