Cash boost to tackle youth unemployment

Wednesday 07 May 2014

Bosses can now cash-in when they hire young local jobseekers as part of a major new incentive which could see more than a hundred Islanders finding work.

Anyone who takes on a local 16 to 24 year-old who has been looking for work for at least six months will get their new recruit’s salary paid for the first six months, provided they employ them in a permanent role.

£650,000 has been set aside by Back to Work for the Youth Incentive.

Social Security Minister Senator Francis Le Gresley said: “Young people are often untapped talent who are keen to work and just need a chance. Many have been through training courses and work experience programmes and are eager to work to their full potential yet employers will often choose someone with more experience. I hope that this Incentive will help give young people that first step into sustainable employment.

“If employers have a member of staff who is leaving or is being promoted, and have an entry-level vacancy that could be filled by someone, then the Youth Incentive gives them an opportunity to take on and train up a young person at no financial cost.”

As well as £6,500 for each new employee, bosses will get help to find the right person for the job and six months’ support from a Back to Work mentor to make sure the new recruit settles in well.

Employers are being invited to an information session to find out more about the Youth Incentive. They’ll also get to meet and interview their prospective employees at a Meet The Candidate event.