A WEBINAR for Keighley-district businesses focusing on the Government’s Kickstart scheme has been hailed as a success.

Business representatives from across the Keighley and Ilkley parliamentary constituency took part in the event.

The webinar was hosted by MP Robbie Moore and attended by members of the Department for Work and Pensions Kickstart taskforce team, who explained more about the scheme and answered questions.

Kickstart is aimed at getting young people aged 16 to 24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment, into work on a six-month paid placement.

The Government covers wages and associated taxes and provides the company with a grant of up to £1,500 to cover training and development costs.

Mr Moore said: “The Kickstart scheme is a ‘win win’ for all involved. It gets young people who otherwise would be at risk of long-term unemployment into work and gives them the experience they need to get firmly into the jobs market. It also benefits companies which are looking to recruit new placements at zero cost.

“As we gently wind down from the pandemic, it is vital that we get young people who are most at risk of long-term unemployment into the jobs market.”

For further information about the scheme, businesses can email robbie.moore.mp@parliament.uk.