Published: Thursday, 8th August 2024
Local employers can now apply for funding to take on new staff through Sevenoaks District Council’s ‘WorkBoost’ scheme.
Employers can claim non-repayable grants to pay the wages of new staff who would work up to 21 hours a week for up to 12 weeks. The staff would be paid the minimum wage.
To be eligible, businesses have to be based in the Sevenoaks District. The staff businesses can take on have to be:
- • Aged between 18 and 24 years old and out of work or underemployed or
- • Anyone who has been unemployed or underemployed for over a year or
- • A person with a disability aged 18 and above.
As well as gaining valuable work experience, the staff will receive training and support. This includes team-work, communication and other skills, CV writing and help applying for work.
Employment can start anytime, but the placement must be completed by 28 February 2025.
Cllr Michael Horwood, Sevenoaks District Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation and Improvement, says: “We are really excited to launch this new ‘employment springboard’ scheme which will help our District’s businesses to expand, whilst supporting our local residents who may face additional barriers entering the workplace.
“We have funding available for at least 30 placements. However, the funding is limited and available on a first come basis. Any businesses interested should apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.”
For details of the scheme, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/workboost.
The scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Underemployment refers to people who are in work but are working fewer hours than they desire or are overqualified for their job.
- More articles in the news archive
- Sevenoaks District Council news RSS feed