JobStart Scheme
The JobStart Scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help those who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, in receipt of working age benefits and wish to enter or re-enter the workplace.
How JobStart works
Please note: The JobStart Scheme is now closed.
The JobStart Scheme offers 6-month job opportunities, or 9-month at reduced hours where flexibility is required and has been approved by a Work Coach.
Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (determined by the participant's age group) for up to 25 hours of work per week along with the associated employer National Insurance contributions, and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Participants will be supported through their job opportunity by Work Coaches in the local Jobs & Benefits offices.
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 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 or 9-month job opportunity
- job opportunities must offer up to 25 hours of employment per week
- jobs offered must pay at least the National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (determined by the participant’s age group) through PAYE
What employers will receive
For each job opportunity you will receive funding to cover:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage for up to 25 hours of work per week*
- the associated employer National Insurance contributions
- employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
* You may offer additional hours but you will be responsible for covering the additional costs.
Please note: You will need to provide monthly payslips for each JobStart participant.
Once an individualised training plan has been approved, you can avail of a support grant for each job opportunity. This grant can help cover the cost of training, accredited training courses, and any other reasonable expenses needed to help the participant progress in their new role. The support grant will provide you with funding of £750 for 6-month opportunities and £1,000 for 9-month opportunities. You will be paid the support grant in three instalments (or four instalments for 9-month opportunities) throughout the duration of the opportunity, once required conditions have been met.
What your job opportunity needs to provide
- Occupational Skills Training: job-specific skills and provide relevant certifications.
- Employability Skills Development: focus on teamwork, communication, organisation and problem-solving.
- CV and Interview Support: CV, cover letters and mock interviews.
- Training and Support: internal training and accredited training (if appropriate).
Please note that the Department does not have contracts with any individual training providers. You are free to choose any organisation to provide this employability support on your behalf.
What you need to provide during the application
You will need:
- your Companies House reference number, Charity Commission for Northern Ireland number, if you have one
- your organisation address and contact details
- details of the JobStart Scheme job opportunities and their location
- supporting information to show that the job opportunities meet the JobStart Scheme criteria
- information about the support you can give to develop the skills of participants
How you will get the funding
The Department will use information from HMRC to check that the participant is still employed. The funding to pay the participants salary will be paid monthly in arrears when we know they are:
- enrolled on your payroll
- being paid through Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
You can pay a higher wage and offer additional hours but you will be responsible for covering the additional costs.
Terms and conditions
The JobStart Scheme has been designed to support working age benefit claimants who are unemployed or economically inactive and require assistance to move into the workplace. The terms and conditions for funding from the JobStart Scheme are outlined at the link below.
Information leaflet for participants
Find out what JobStart could mean for you as an interested participant.