Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen has welcomed the Government's plans to make it even easier for employer of all sizes to join its flagship £2billion Kickstart Scheme, which has already created more than 120,000 jobs across the UK.

The scheme is designed to give young people at risk of long-term unemployment a future of hope and opportunity, by creating high-quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK, supporting them into work as it delivers on its commitment to level up the entire country.

Kickstart Coalville has already been making positions available in the area Kickstarting Coalville looking to fill local placements.

Introduced as part of the Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme allows employers to offer young people between 16 and 24, who are on Universal Credit, a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the Government.

Under this scheme, the Government will pay 100 per cent of the young person's age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which the employer can top up if they choose to.

In addition, the Government will pay £1,500 per Kickstarter taken on to cover any associated set up costs.

Since it first launched in September, the Government has been working with companies across a wide range of sectors - and, in encouraging more employers to join, it is now making it even easier for companies of all sizes to apply for any number of vacancies.

From this month, businesses can apply to the scheme for any number of placements, with the 30 vacancies minimum threshold removed so they can sign up directly.

Employers can still apply through one of the over 600 Kickstart gateway organisations including local authorities, charities and trade bodies, that have supported them in applying for funding for 29 or less job placements through the scheme.

Mr Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, said: "As we look to our economic recovery, we will honour our commitment to level up opportunity, so no young person is left behind as a result of the pandemic.

"The Government's Kickstart Scheme is a clear demonstration that we are putting young people at the heart of our plans to build back better, and with over 120,000 Kickstart jobs already created, businesses are giving them their backing too.

"By investing in their potential, we can put thousands of young people on the path to a brighter future, and I would urge as many employers as possible in North West Leicestershire to sign up."

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak added: "Young people are among the hardest hit in times like these, which is why we're doing everything we can to ensure they're not left without hope or opportunity.

"The Kickstart Scheme is central to this. With £2 billion available and no limit on the number of places, it's now easier than ever for businesses across Great Britain to take part. Join us as we harness the talents of the new generation of kickstarters."