North Yorkshire launches wage subsidy scheme to boost local employment
Businesses offered funding to employ residents returning to work
Businesses in North Yorkshire and York are being encouraged to help tackle unemployment by participating in a wage subsidy scheme designed to connect local talent with job opportunities.
The Learn, Earn, Apply, Progress (LEAP) programme offers employers the opportunity to provide part-time roles of at least 16 hours a week for a minimum of three months to residents who have been out of work.
Positions will be fully funded by a grant covering wages and employer National Insurance contributions, as part of an initiative overseen by North Yorkshire Council and funded through the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Get Britain Working Trailblazer programme.
Supporting people back into the workforce
The scheme is intended to help individuals who are out of work due to reasons such as long-term sickness, disability, mental or physical ill health, or caring responsibilities.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said:
“North Yorkshire is home to a wealth of untapped talent including people with skills, potential, and ambition who, for a variety of reasons, have found themselves out of the jobs market.
“The Trailblazer programme is designed to change that. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish and this is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to diversify their workforce, support the community and help local people develop valuable skills through meaningful, mentored experience.”
Employer eligibility
Businesses with premises in York and North Yorkshire, even if their head office is outside the area, are eligible to participate in LEAP.
The subsidy is available for residents aged 18 and over who must confirm that they are currently economically inactive, defined as being out of work or not seeking a job.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has been selected as one of eight areas to deliver the Government’s Get Britain Working Economic Inactivity Trailblazer, alongside targeted projects aiming to reduce barriers to employment.
David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, expressed pride in supporting the initiative.
“Working with our partners, we can provide the guidance and support that keeps people in good jobs and helps our businesses become more resilient,” Skaith said.
In its first year, the programme aims to help 1,500 jobseekers, support 500 people already employed, and collaborate with 150 businesses.