The Kickstart Scheme in retrospect

Finito World

The UK’s Kickstart Scheme wrapped up in March 2022. Designed to boost job opportunities, it targeted 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit. For employers, it was a lifeline to create roles. For young people, it was a chance to break into work. Around 300,000 joined the program. However, it came with a hefty £1.9 billion price tag. So, how did it perform? Let’s unpack the numbers, sectors, and age groups that shaped its story.

What Was the Kickstart Scheme?

First, let’s cover the basics. Launched in 2020 amid Covid-19 chaos, Kickstart aimed to fight youth unemployment. Why? Because young people faced tough odds. Lockdowns hit retail and hospitality hard—sectors where they often work. Thus, the government stepped in. The scheme paid employers to hire. Specifically, it covered the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week. This lasted six months per job. Plus, it handled National Insurance and pension costs. Employers also got £1,500 per role. This cash helped with training, IT gear, uniforms, or PPE. In short, it was a win-win—or so it seemed.

How Many Jobs Did Kickstart Create?

Overall, Kickstart filled 68% of its roles across Great Britain. That’s a solid chunk, but not perfect. For instance, some areas soared while others lagged. Scotland led the pack. There, 73.7% of available jobs found takers. Meanwhile, England had mixed results. The West Midlands topped the list at 73.3%. Next, the East Midlands, North East, and Yorkshire and The Humber followed close behind. Each hit over 70%. However, Wales trailed a bit. Only 65% of its roles got filled. So, why the gaps? Location mattered. Urban areas often had more employers signing up. Rural spots struggled to attract the same buzz.

Which Regions Shined Brightest?

Let’s zoom in. Scotland’s success stood out. Why? Perhaps its strong community networks helped. Local businesses and Jobcentres likely pushed hard. For example, cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh might’ve seen big uptake. In England, the West Midlands ruled. Birmingham, a bustling hub, probably fueled that 73.3% rate. Similarly, the East Midlands thrived. Places like Nottingham or Derby could’ve driven demand. The North East and Yorkshire kept pace too. Think Newcastle or Leeds—gritty, job-hungry regions. Conversely, Wales hit 65%. Rural areas there might’ve lacked enough employers. Still, Cardiff likely pulled some weight. Overall, geography played a huge role.

Top Sectors for Kickstart Jobs

Now, let’s talk industries. Which ones grabbed the most Kickstart roles? Animal care led at 80%. Why? Because it’s niche but steady. Vet clinics or pet shops snapped up eager workers. Next, creative/media and law tied at 78%. For instance, small design firms or legal offices jumped in. Science and research followed closely. Labs needed young talent, and Kickstart delivered. Computing technology matched that pace. With tech booming, startups or IT firms cashed in. However, not every sector thrived equally. Retail or hospitality—big youth employers—didn’t top the list. Perhaps they leaned on furlough instead. Still, these standout sectors show Kickstart’s reach.

Who Benefitted Most by Age?

Age shaped the story too. Most Kickstart winners were 22 to 23 years old. Why them? They’re often done with school and hunting for work. Plus, they’ve got some maturity—employers like that. For example, a 22-year-old might’ve landed a tech gig over a teen. Meanwhile, under-18s barely registered. Less than 1% got jobs. Why? Many are still in school or lack skills. Similarly, 25-year-olds missed out. They aged out of the 16-24 bracket. Thus, the sweet spot was clear. Late teens to early 20s ruled. However, that left younger and older edges underserved.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Small Business Prices Analysis

Small Business Prices dug into the data. Their analysis revealed these trends. First, the 68% fill rate across Great Britain. Then, Scotland’s 73.7% peak. In England, the West Midlands’ 73.3% stood tall. Wales’ 65% showed room to grow. Sector-wise, animal care’s 80% led. Creative/media and law hit 78%. Science, research, and tech trailed just behind. Age-wise, 22- to 23-year-olds dominated. Under-18s and 25-year-olds? Barely a blip. So, what’s the takeaway? Kickstart worked—but unevenly. Some regions, sectors, and ages won big. Others got left behind.

Why Did Kickstart Matter?

Let’s step back. Covid-19 crushed youth jobs. In 2020, unemployment for 16- to 24-year-olds spiked. Many lost retail or bar gigs. Kickstart aimed to fix that. By funding employers, it created 300,000 roles. That’s huge. For instance, a teen in Leeds might’ve scored an animal care job. Or a 23-year-old in Birmingham could’ve joined a tech firm. Plus, the £1.9 billion investment signaled intent. The government wanted youth working, not waiting. However, did it fully deliver? Let’s explore that next.

Did Kickstart Hit Its Goals?

The scheme promised “hundreds of thousands” of jobs. It delivered 300,000. Technically, that fits. Yet, critics argue it fell short. Why? Because not all roles got filled. Only 68% made it. Plus, £1.9 billion for 300,000 jobs averages £6,333 per role. Was that cost-effective? Maybe. For comparison, furlough saved millions of jobs cheaper per head. Still, Kickstart wasn’t just about numbers. It gave skills too. Employers used that £1,500 to train. A kid in Scotland might’ve learned coding. Another in Wales got customer service chops. So, it wasn’t just jobs—it was a leg up.

Success Stories: What Worked Well

Let’s spotlight the wins. Scotland’s 73.7% fill rate rocked. Local teamwork likely fueled it. In the West Midlands, 73.3% showed urban strength. Sectors like animal care hit 80%. Why? They’re hands-on and appealing. Creative roles at 78% tapped young passion. A 22-year-old designing ads? That’s a dream gig. Plus, the 22-23 age group thrived. They’re ready to work and adaptable. For example, a 23-year-old in Yorkshire might’ve joined a lab. These wins show Kickstart’s power. When it clicked, it really clicked.

Where Did Kickstart Stumble?

However, cracks appeared. Wales’ 65% lagged. Rural employers might’ve sat out. Under-18s got less than 1%. Schools or rules held them back. Similarly, 25-year-olds missed the cut. The age cap hurt them. Sector gaps popped up too. Retail didn’t lead—odd for a youth-heavy field. Perhaps firms didn’t apply. Or maybe Jobcentres pushed other roles. Either way, not everyone benefitted equally. Thus, Kickstart had limits. It reached many, but not all.

What’s Next for UK Youth Employment?

Kickstart’s gone. So, what now? The government’s Plan for Jobs lingers. Apprenticeships are one path. They blend work and learning. Traineeships offer another. They’re shorter but skill-focused. For instance, a 19-year-old could train in construction. Meanwhile, sectors like tech keep growing. Young people might pivot there. However, funding’s key. Kickstart’s £1.9 billion set a bar. Will new programs match it? Only time tells. For now, 300,000 got a boost. That’s a start.

In the end, Kickstart left a mark. It tyackled a crisis—Covid-19’s youth job crunch. Scotland shone at 73.7%. The West Midlands hit 73.3%. Animal care led sectors at 80%. The 22-23 crowd grabbed the most roles. Yet, Wales’ 65% and under-18s’ 1% showed gaps. At £1.9 billion, it wasn’t cheap. Still, 300,000 jobs mattered. For example, a kid in the North East might’ve found purpose. Was it perfect? No. Was it progress? Yes. Now, the UK builds on that. Youth employment needs more kicks to start.

Credit: SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk