SOUTH Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has appealed for employers who can create job opportunities for young people as part of the government's Kickstart scheme to get in touch.

The Chamber is working as an intermediary for the £2 billion government scheme designed to offer six-month placements to 16 to 24 year-olds currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Local employers will receive funding for 100 per cent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.

Applications are open now and the Chamber, working with Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan, hopes to see a big response from the area's diverse range of businesses.

The support will extend to all local firms, including non-members.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: "We are acting as an intermediary in the Kickstart process and can offer valuable support to businesses interested in taking part.

"Our support will extend to all businesses, including non-members in a real effort to offer hope and job skills to young people for whom the current outlook may appear bleak."

South Cheshire Chamber has long championed the role of young people in the workplace through its Young Persons networking events and annual Business Awards recognising fresh talent. Prizes go to leaders of the future and star apprentices.

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As a member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) accredited network, throughout the pandemic the Chamber has fed back on issues affecting local businesses to government. This lobbying helped pave the way for support packages including the job retention scheme, interruption loans and self-employed grants.

BCC Head of People Policy Jane Gratton said: "At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully-funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.

"Rooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers' growth aspirations, and will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs."

South Cheshire Chamber has had an encouraging response to Kickstart applications going live this month and urges more businesses to get involved.

For information and to apply go here.