Helping young people get money they need to start a new job

As temporary summer jobs come to an end and school leavers and graduates begin the search for employment, young people are being urged to find out if they are eligible for Job Start Payment.

Recent labour market statistics show that entering the job market and finding the right role is not easy for young people. On average 16 to 24-year-olds experience a higher rate of unemployment than those who are older, and it takes approximately 6 months for them to find employment.

The cost of starting a new role can add up, especially if young people have been unemployed and have less money.

Job Start Payment can help. It is a one off payment of £314.45 to help young people between the ages of 16-24 with the costs of starting a new job.

The value increases to £503.10 if you are the main carer for any children. This payment does not have to be paid back, and applicants are free to spend this as they see fit, but it can help to pay for expenses like travel, clothes and childcare.

Last year we improved the application process for Job Start Payment making it easier and quicker for young people to apply. These improvements mean income from trial shifts no longer impact applications, the deadline to apply was extended from three to six months and the supporting information required as proof of a job offer has been simplified.

Applications can be made online, and it only takes around 10 minutes to complete the form.

As well as encouraging young people to check their eligibility for Job Start Payment, we have resources available for organisations, including employers, to use and are encouraging stakeholders to share via their own networks and channels.

These resources include free to download social media posts, leaflets, posters and factsheets to share with young people and their new employees. While not all new hires will qualify for this one-off payment, making those who qualify aware could remove barriers to working and help improve staff retention rates.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can find out more and apply online, over the phone or book an appointment to apply in-person, by visiting mygov.scot/jobstartpayment or call us free on 0800 182 2222.