JobStart Employer Application

Overview

Please note that the closing date for applications is 31/12/2025.

The new JobStart Scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help working age benefit claimants who are unemployed or economically inactive to enter the workplace.

If you are an employer in Northern Ireland you may be eligible to apply for funding for the JobStart Scheme. 

Please note all job opportunities offered are:

• for eligible participants 
• new jobs specifically created for the JobStart Scheme
• located in Northern Ireland

Before you start the application process you will need:

• your Companies House reference number or Charity Commission number, if applicable;
• your organisation address and details of your nominated point of contact;
• details of your JobStart Scheme job opportunities and their location;
• supporting information to show that the job opportunities do not displace current employees, contractors or apprentices and meet the JobStart Scheme criteria; and
• information about the support you can give to develop the occupational and employability skills of participants.

Please apply for the total number of opportunities that your business can accommodate as we can only accept one application per employer. Approved participant start dates can be staggered if you are unable to accommodate all participants at once. Your application will be assessed against the JobStart Scheme criteria and you will be advised of the total number of opportunities for which you have been approved. 

It is strongly recommended that you take time to fully read the guidance before completing your application to avoid any unnecessary delays. This can be found in the ‘Related’ section directly below.