Working 4U is now offering a UK Shared Prosperity Fund employer recruitment incentive.
The fund offers an employer a grant amount of up to £4,000. This is based on the hourly rate of pay and contracted hours for each employee as shown in the table below.
When offering 16+ hours a week to a new employee:
hourly rate of pay and contracted hours for each employee
| Age |
Amount |
| Aged under 18 or first year apprentice |
£2,500 (£3,000 if paying RLW) |
| Aged 18-20 |
£3,000 (£3,500 if paying RLW) |
| Aged 21+ |
£3,500 (£4,000 if paying RLW) |
All employers are encouraged to pay the Real Living Wage. The Real Living Wage information can be found here www.livingwage.org.uk. If offering the real living wage, an additional £500 will be added to your 26 week claim.
Some key points from the guidelines to highlight are as follows:
- Employing a person who is unemployed and a West Dunbartonshire resident and meets the eligibility criteria.
- Creating a new job opportunity with a 26 week contract and offering a position for a minimum contract of 16 hours per week.
- The new job can’t cover sickness, maternity leave or replace a redundant post.
- Funding must be commenced by 1st September 2024 and last expenditure of grant 26 weeks from employee start date.
- Issuing an employment contract which details job role, terms and conditions and pay. The contract must be signed by employer and person. A copy must be provided to Working4U.
- Ensuring that employees receive formal training and CPD as part of workforce development.
- Providing the person with a line manager and mentor.
- Paying a salary greater than funding received at each claim period.
For more information and to enquire about a grant please contact W4U.grants@west-dunbarton.gov.uk