Department for Communities: Job Start 50+ scheme
Overview
The JobStart 50+ scheme provides funding to help employers create new job opportunities to help people aged 50-64 years old who are currently unemployed to enter or re-enter the job market. The scheme will provide around 180 jobs across a range of sectors.
How the scheme helps employers
Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% government funding to create 6-month job opportunities for 50-64 year-olds without employment, education or training.
Funding for each JobStart opportunity will pay:
- the relevant National Living Wage for 25 hours per week*
- the associated employer National Insurance contributions
- an employer's minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.
*Employers can offer additional hours but will have to fund the additional hours themselves
Please note: Employers will need to provide monthly payslips for each JobStart participant. Following approval of an individualised training plan, employers can avail of funding for each job opportunity to cover any support and training the participant may need.
A support grant of £1,000 is available for 6-month opportunities.
Transferring unfilled job opportunities
If an employer participated in JobStart for young people and still has unfilled vacancies, these roles are transferable to JobStart50+. But the employer must register for JobStart 50+.
Employer criteria to participate in JobStart
- Employers must be based in Northern Ireland.
- Employers of all sizes can participate in the scheme.
- Employers in all sectors can participate (including the voluntary and community sector).
- Employers can offer one job or multiple jobs to participate in JobStart (depending on the number of staff currently in permanent employment).
- JobStart opportunities must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
- Jobs offered must provide a 6-month job opportunity.
- Job opportunities must offer at least 25 hours of employment per week.
- Jobs offered must pay at least the National Living Wage through PAYE.