The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the PRCA’s status as a Gateway organisation for the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, paving the way for PR agencies and in-house teams to employ young people deemed at risk of long-term unemployment.
25 PR agencies have so far been given the greenlight by the DWP to create 60 PR jobs via the PRCA’s Gateway application. More than 30 additional agencies have applied through the PRCA and are expecting to create new roles through the initiative.
The Scheme encourages organisations to create six-month job placements for young people aged between 16-24 who are on Universal Credit. The Government will fund 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week and organisations will receive £1,500 per job placement.
The @PRCA_UK is proud to be a #Kickstart gateway, supporting small PR employers such as @becgUK to create new jobs for young people
— DWP (@DWP) October 6, 2020
? View the full list of gateways and find out how to apply to the #Kickstart Scheme here:https://t.co/AlVbapIPHu pic.twitter.com/arXS0uzAzX
Commenting on the news, PRCA Director General Francis Ingham MPRCA, said:
“Economic crises invariably cause the greatest impact on those at the start of their careers. The Government’s Kickstart Scheme is a lifeline for young people – but it’s also an excellent support mechanism for PR businesses recovering from the pandemic. I’m proud that the PRCA has been accepted as the gateway organisation for the PR industry and I’m delighted with the interest our members have shown in the Scheme. It’s a win-win for all.”
Information on the Kickstart Scheme and how to apply using the PRCA as a representative body can be found here.
