News reports located on this page = 3.

Hundreds step up to help smaller employers 'KickStart' Britain's recovery

HUNDREDS of organisations are stepping up to help Britain build back better by supporting smaller employers to give youth a chance and take advantage of the Government's landmark:- 'KickStart Scheme.' More than 500 bodies have signed up to serve as gateways on the ₤2bn programme, providing assistance to employers offering fewer than 30 vacancies under the scheme. Participants will help firms with their applications and deliver the support each young person needs to make a success of their KickStart role, increasing their chances of securing sustainable employment in future. A growing list of gateways will ensure that small and medium sized employers wanting to get involved in the scheme will be able to find a suitable gateway provider in their area and work with them to submit an application. The Federation of Small Businesses, representing one in every 15 British employers, equating to 165,000 members, is among the 1st to sign up.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said:- "I am delighted that FSB has signed up to be a National Gateway; their work across the country with small business will give SMEs the confidence and support to offer places through the KickStart Scheme. Our KickStart Scheme was designed with employers of all sizes in mind. It is extremely encouraging to see hundreds of organisations all stepping up to help Britain build back better. Our growing list of gateways will make it easier for smaller employers to find their local gateways who will support their application and help provide wrap around support for the young people who get onto the scheme. We are also encouraging more organisations to step forward as gateways to support this national effort and get behind the career ambitions of the next generation."

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said:- "Small businesses are embedded in local communities and disproportionately take on those who face barriers when finding work. The KickStart initiative marks a crucial intervention, with young people's job prospects now hit particularly hard by COVID19, and small businesses under significant pressure. It will help small firms create thousands of good quality opportunities for young people at risk of long term unemployment. We have worked closely with government to make KickStart accessible for small firms, and look forward to announcing FSB's own plans as an intermediary very shortly, alongside a diversity of good quality local intermediaries through local authorities, the voluntary sector and others."

Launched earlier this month, Kickstart will create hundreds of thousands of new fully subsidised roles for young people as part of efforts to ensure a future of opportunity and hope for those starting out in their career and at risk of long term unemployment. After more than 6,000 employers started an application in the first 24 hours, the Department has had interest from gateways all over the country. This list is a quick way for employers to find the 1 that suits them; whether that's by geography or sector, and this list will grow.

This initial list contains over 500 organisations that have put themselves forward to be gateways across England, Scotland and Wales with more applications being reviewed and considered. The Department is encouraging any other organisations looking to be included to get in touch. The Government will fully fund each Kickstart placement; paying 100% of the age relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Employers will be able to top up this wage, while the Government will also pay employers ₤1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, as well as helping pay for uniforms and other set up costs. The jobs will give young people; who are more likely to have been furloughed, with many working in sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic; the opportunity to build their skills in the workplace and to gain experience to improve their chances of finding long term work.

As a gateway you will submit your application online at Gov.UK. and will need to provide supporting information about how the job placements are new jobs and how they will develop employability skills of young people. There is more guidance about what you provide on:- Gov.UK.

You will receive ₤300 per young person placed in a KickStart job. This covers the signing of the grant agreement with DWP, the payment of the ₤1500 start up and wraparound support and the passing on of wage payments to employers.

FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry added:- "We envisage that many employers may want their gateway to supply some of the wraparound support and arrangements can be made between those on what proportion of the support will be provided and the ₤1500 divide up on a way that suits both. Organisations who also want to join this list, can email the Department:- KickStart.Interest@FWP.Gov.UK, The list of intermediaries can be found online."

Dobbies Southport reopens soft plays with safety measures in place

FOLLOWING updated guidance from the UK Government that soft plays may reopen in England, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centre, has reopened its soft play in its Southport store. The safety of team members and customers remains the number 1 priority, and a number of social distancing measures have been put in place. Dobbies' soft plays are cleaned and sanitised before opening, mid-way through the day and after closing, to make play time safe. Atalian Servest have been employed to apply Zoono antibacterial cleaning product fortnightly. There will be reduced capacity in all soft plays, with customers requested to book in advance to manage numbers. This will also enable team members to collect data for NHS Test and Trace. There are extra hand cleaning stations, and adults will be required to wear face coverings until seated at a table within the soft play. Face coverings are not required for children under 11. For more information see the PR video on:- YouTube. Graeme Jenkins, CEO of Dobbies, said:- "We have successfully reopened garden centres and restaurants across the UK, and are well-place to welcome customers into our soft plays. Thank you to all team members who have worked hard to ensure our soft plays are ready and we look forward to welcoming visitors for a fun and safe day out."
 

Jobseekers take note!  Dobbies in Southport are searching for Santa...

THE hunt is on for Santa to work in Dobbies Liverpool and Southport stores this Christmas. In partnership with Great Grottos, the magical experience is one of the most anticipated events in the Dobbies' Christmas calendar, and suitable candidates are being called on to fill Santa's boots. Applicants aged 28 years and over are invited for the role of Father Christmas, with a full training programme provided for those who are successful. This is a highly rewarding and enjoyable role guaranteed to get customers into the Christmas spirit, and successful candidates will be responsible for creating memorable moments for visiting families and children. Great Grottos are looking for reliable, hard working individuals with a cheerful personality, who are able to stay in character and adhere to company values.  Successful candidates will begin work from 14 November.  To apply go to:-  Indeed.Co.UK

The safety of customers and team members is Dobbies' number one priority and as a result the grotto experience will be different this year. Santa will be adhering to social distancing guidelines with children selecting their own gift. Santa's elves will also maintain their distance and wear a face covering at all times, with customers over 11 years old also required to wear a face covering.  Graeme Jenkins, CEO at Dobbies, said:- "Santa's Grotto is 1 of our most popular festive experiences in our Liverpool and Southport stores and the role of Santa is perfect for enthusiastic individuals who are keen to ensure our customers have a 1st class experience. We will be closely following Government guidelines to ensure all events from our Christmas programme are safe and enjoyable for all."

Tickets for Santa's Grotto are available to book online, with customers encouraged to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Customers can also Book with Confidence, with a full refund provided by Dobbies if the event is cancelled. For Dobbies' full Christmas events schedule and more information visit:- Dobbies.com.