More agencies back government Kickstart scheme

Another property company has announced its participation in the Kickstart scheme.

The initiative is aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 currently are receiving Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The government will pay their basic salary for 25 hours a week, augmented by an employer. 

Leeds-based property investment company ERE Property says it has positions in property management, marketing, sales, lettings and administrative activities. “It’s a difficult time for young people and this is a great scheme that we are very pleased to support. The scheme provides a paid six-month job for young people, supporting them to develop the skills and experience needed for permanent work afterwards, and this is invaluable in today’s competitive job market” says Helen Mercer-Jones, ERE Property managing director.

ERE Property joins other players in the agency industry who have announced they are participating in the initiative.

Spicerhaart plans to add 93 trainees to its new trainee recruitment programme under the Kickstart scheme. The roles in sales, lettings and customer service are being offered in branches in its haart, Howards, Haybrook, Darlows, Felicity J Lord and Butters John Bee brands.

Meanwhile the first two successful candidates to have gone through The Guild of Property Professional’s Kickstart programme have been appointed to full time posts. One has joined Hall & Scott in Devon and the other is with LPS Real Estate in Liverpool.

Guild chief executive Iain McKenzie says: “The Guild is supporting independent agents around the UK to secure a Kickstart grant, as well as offering employability support along the way to create high-quality placement opportunities for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.”