New £3,000 grant to help Ellesmere Port and Wirral firms hire young people

Businesses in Ellesmere Port and across the Wirral could benefit from a new Government grant of up to £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire.

Justin Madders MP is urging employers to check whether they qualify for the new Youth Jobs Grant, which helps firms meet the costs of recruiting and training young people.

The grant is available to employers taking on 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for at least six months.

Mr Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, said:

"Whenever I'm out visiting schools, colleges and local employers, I'm reminded just how much talent we have in our communities. The challenge is making sure every young person gets the chance to put that talent to good use.

"I recently heard from a constituent whose son gained valuable hands-on experience at the Stellantis plant in Ellesmere Port as part of his T-Level engineering course. His dad joked it was one of the few things his teenage son would happily get out of bed for.

"I know many local employers already go the extra mile to invest in the next generation. This grant could make it easier for even more businesses to take someone on, develop their skills and help them get their foot on the career ladder."

The Youth Jobs Grant forms part of the Government's wider £2.5 billion Youth Guarantee, expanding access to work experience, apprenticeships, training, Youth Hubs and additional support for young people who have struggled to find work.

Mr Madders added:

"I regularly hear from parents worried about their son or daughter finding that first job and from employers who want to recruit but know there are costs involved. This grant helps bridge that gap by supporting businesses while giving young people the chance to earn, learn and build a career."

Employers can find out more about the Youth Jobs Grant and check whether they qualify by visiting: 

http://www.business.gov.uk/recruit

Pictured - Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough.