Scarborough and Whitby MP urges business and young people to take advantage of Government schemes
Alison Hume MP is encouraging young people and employers across Scarborough and Whitby to take advantage of measures, introduced by the Labour Government, designed to help those not in work build careers.
After Alan Milburn published his interim report into youth unemployment, which is scheduled to be released in full during the Autumn, Ms Hume highlighted two schemes offering financial incentives to help tackle the issue.
Through the new Youth Jobs Grant, businesses will receive £3,000 for every young person they hire aged between 18-24 who has been receiving Universal Credit and seeking work for six months.
An Apprenticeship Incentive of £2,000 has also been created for small and medium sized businesses taking on someone aged 16-24.
In certain circumstances, employers will be eligible to receive both payments.
Ms Hume said: “Young people across Scarborough and Whitby have so much to give and so any investment in them is one of the best investments we can make.
“By expanding practical routes into work, boosting apprenticeships and providing employers the clarity and flexibility they need, we can unlock not only the potential of our young people but Scarborough, Whitby and the villages as a whole.”
Described as a ‘New Deal’ for young people, the initiatives are part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring every young person enjoys the opportunity to either earn or learn.
Backed by an additional £1bn, taking the total investment in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy to £2.5bn over three years, the moves have attracted praise from celebrity chef Tom Kerridge who has provided dozens of apprenticeships at his local pubs.
Ms Hume added: “By doing this, the Government isn’t only helping young people take that all important first step on the career-ladder but also helping businesses recruit the talent which can help them grow and thrive too.”