Smiths gives a Kickstart

4 February 2021

Smiths Equipment Hire is taking part in the government’s Kickstart initiative which aims to help combat increasing job losses and the economic uncertainty created by the pandemic.

The scheme offers funding to employers to enable them to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit.

Blackpool-based Smiths has provided 10 six-month job placements to give young people experience and confidence within the workplace while earning a regular wage.

Joint managing director Thomas Smith said: ‘Young people are amongst some of the hardest hit by the pandemic and unemployment can have long-lasting negative effects on their future as well as their current confidence and self-worth.

“As soon as we heard about Kickstart, we wanted to be a part of it and help those most in need to gain some vital experience and give them an opportunity.”

As reported previously on the blog, Smiths has significant expansion plans for 2021.  

• The government says that more than 120,000 jobs for 16 to 24 year olds have now been created through the Kickstart Scheme. Employers wanting to get involved can contact their local authority or chamber of commerce.