The Government has launched a £2bn Kickstart scheme to create thousands of jobs for young people, and Bolton employers are being asked to get involved.

Young people aged 16-24 who are on Universal Credit will be offered six month work placements, with their wages being paid for by the Government.

Businesses are now able to sign up for the scheme, which aims to tackle the high level of youth unemployment brought on by the coronavirus.

The Government will pay 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which employers will be able to top up.

Employers will also received £1,500 in funding to set up support and training for those on the Kickstart scheme.

Those with 30 or more placements can sign up online, however, smaller businesses will be asked to make a bid through an intermediary, such as a Local Authority or Chamber of Commerce.

Penny Applegate, partnership manager at Bolton Jobcentre plus, said: "It's a brilliant opportunity for young people and that's really positive.

"We've already had interest from several employers in the town and it will definitely help young people across the borough.

"We're asking smaller businesses, those with less than 30 spaces, to contact us at the Jobcentre so we can organise the application process.

"The aim is at the end of the six months these people will have experience on their CV which they can use to kickstart their career, or ideally receive a role at the company they completed the placement with.

"It's very important to us to ensure that employers are offering new roles as part of the scheme, this is not designed to replace those who have been made redundant due to coronavirus.

"The placement must give young people the opportunity to build up their skills and experience.

"It's very important that employers who put themselves forward for the scheme are offering that mentoring aspect too, we want to make sure that the placement is productive for those involved."

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy – it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.

“The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”

Employers who wish to join the scheme but have fewer than 30 positions to offer should contact northwest.kickstart@dwp.gov.uk.