| People and Skills NITA is working with the Department for Communities to deliver information for employers on the latest phase of the JobStart Scheme which launched on 6th October. At a recent webinar, Andrew Irwin, Head of JobStart, provided an overview of the scheme which supports employers to create new job opportunities for working-age people who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, in receipt of working-age benefits, and who wish to enter or re-enter the workplace. Some of the main features of the scheme include: Employers are able to provide one or many job opportunities, dependent on size of organisation. Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (determined by the participant’s age group) along with the associated employer National Insurance contributions, and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. The employer can provide additional hours with the associated costs covered by the employer. There are two options, which will be dependent on the individual: 6 month opportunity, 25 hours per week, £750 support grant paid to employer. 9 month opportunity, 15 hours per week, £1,000 support grant paid to employer. Participants in the JobStart Scheme will be supported through their job opportunity by Work Coaches in their local Jobs & Benefits office. If the job does not continue beyond the end of the scheme the employer must provide a mock interview. Employers must post available positions onto the JobStart portal which individuals apply to directly and the employer manages the recruitment process. Only individuals approved by work coaches to join the scheme will be able to apply for positions. Jobs will start from February 2026 . To take part in the scheme, employers must first complete an on-line application process. The closing date is 31st December 2025, and you should allow up to 4 weeks for the application to be processed. Further information is available HERE Employer Guidance is available HERE Employer Application is available HERE |
