BFA vows to help unemployed generation

BFA joins forces with UK Futures to attract more young people into franchising via Government's Kickstart Scheme.

BFA vows to help unemployed generation

BFA joins forces with UK Futures to attract more young people into franchising via Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

As people of all ages attempt to make sense of the current economic climate, which has left thousands of companies struggling to survive and many people out of work, the British Franchise Association (BFA) is making a concerted effort to assist those aged between 16 and 25.

The BFA believe there is no better time to attract young people into franchising and are partnering with UK Futures to support the Kickstart Scheme, which is a Government-backed initiative. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding for companies which offer employment for 16 to 24 year olds who are receiving Universal Credit from the Government.

From their Middlesbrough headquarters, UK Futures is an educational management body whose blue print is to support organisations to grow through ‘innovation, strategy, and partnerships.’

And the BFA are delighted to be getting involved in the Kickstart project, by partnering UK Futures to help younger members of our society to seek work and gain experience within the franchise community. According to a BFA press release, they will be working closely with David Ward, who is a director of UK Futures. David will act as the BFA‘s intermediary with the Department of Work and Pensions.

So what does this mean for BFA members?

From now, the BFA will be able to offer its members access to this scheme, enabling them to receive Government funding. The press release reads: ‘This funding has been allocated to help those who are keen to get into work, but struggling to find employment in the present climate. As a collective, the BFA and its members will have an opportunity to provide as many young people with jobs within franchising in 2021.’

Available funding

Funding for each job placement covers: 

– 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week 

– Employer National Insurance contributions 

– Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions 

There will be additional funding (£1,500) to support young people and help them move into full-time employment. This will become available after they have completed their Kickstart Scheme funded position.

Get involved

BFA members are invited to log into the association’s website to discover more about this exceptional opportunity. After clicking into the members’ section of the website, visitors can download information on the Kickstart Scheme to find out how it works, and then complete the relevant forms.

For more information about the BFA‘s partnership with UK Futures please contact press@thebfa.org.

More info about Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding for employers who create new six-month work placements for young people currently on Universal Credit. These jobs will give young people a chance to gain vital work skills and to receive a wage. The current job market is extremely challenging, especially for young men and women with little or no work experience, as well as those who have not had the opportunity to undergo a college training course or complete an apprenticeship. 

This is all part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs scheme, which aims to create thousands of new, fully funded jobs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Note: The BFA, established in 1977 and with offices in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, report that approximately 710,000 people are employed in franchising across the UK, collectively contributing £17.2bn to the economy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andy Swales
Andy Swales
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