Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has hailed the success of the JobStart programme as hundreds of employers have already applied to take part.
Since JobStart launched last month, 442 employers have applied to the Scheme offering 1,137 new job opportunities. Within the first four weeks, 174 of these employer applications had been approved, and over 340 positions posted live on the Department’s JobApplyNI website.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am delighted JobStart has been so successful in these early days, and I would encourage employers to sign up and help us create job opportunities across Northern Ireland. It is the biggest jobs programme of its kind and is already well on its way to reaching more people and employers than before.”
Funded by The Department for Communities, the scheme allows employers to create new job opportunities to help those who are unemployed or economically inactive and currently claiming working age benefits to enter or re-enter the workplace. Employers from across all sectors in Northern Ireland can receive 100% of the National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage, alongside a support grant which is available to help bring new employees on board smoothly.
The programme features two strands, the first offering paid employment of 25 hours per week for a six-month period at National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage.
The second strand – aimed at those with recognised additional barriers to entering the workforce – will offer 15 hours of employment per week for nine months. Additional flexibility will be available to enable Work Coaches, across the department’s Jobs and Benefits office network, to tailor the opportunity to the needs of the individual.
The new JobStart Scheme will support over 1,200 working age benefit claimants into work, giving employers the chance to grow their business with new talent at no cost, while providing support for people across Northern Ireland to gain vital work experience and confidence.
The portal allowing employers to find out more information and to register for the scheme can be accessed through the Department’s website.
JobStart opportunities for participants are live on the Department for Communities’ JobApplyNI website with further opportunities set to be made available in the coming days and weeks.