JobStart Employer Application

The JobStart Scheme aims to support working age benefit claimants who are unemployed or economically inactive through improvement of their employability and occupational skills and the creation of a pathway into sustained employment.

Targeted Support

The JobStart Scheme will include a targeted approach by Work Coaches to reach those individuals with additional barriers who are economically inactive, as well as those who are unemployed, to ensure those with the greatest need can avail of the JobStart opportunities and that those who wish to work can do so.

Flexible Opportunities

Participants will be matched to one of two Strands based on their needs, as assessed by their Work Coach:

Strand 1: Standard Opportunity

• Duration: 6 months
• Hours: 25 hours per week
• Support grant: £750
• Employers may offer additional hours on agreement with the participant and their Work Coach but must cover the extra cost.

Strand 2: Flexible Opportunity

• Duration: 9 months
• Support grant: £1,000
• Available in three tailored options:

Option A

• 15 hours per week for 9 months

Option B

• 12 hours per week for the first 6 months
• Progressing to 21 hours per week for the final 3 months

Option C

• 12 hours per week for the first 3 months
• progressing to 15 hours per week for months 4–6
• Further progressing to 18 hours per week for the final 3 months

Employers may offer additional hours with agreement from the participant and their Work Coach, but must cover the extra cost.

All employers applying to offer JobStart roles must be prepared to adapt positions to meet the needs of participants across all Strands. This ensures that opportunities are inclusive and supportive of individual development.

All opportunities will be advertised on JobApplyNI by the JobStart team, with Work Coaches giving their eligible participants details on how to apply for the JobStart roles. Employers will apply their own selection processes before requesting permission from the JobStart team to start a participant. Once permission has been granted and a start date agreed, the JobStart team will inform the employer of the Strand the participant will follow. 

Payments

Employers are responsible for paying participants through PAYE with reimbursement provided after all required checks are completed. Payments are not immediate and are subject to verification and authorisation processes. Employers must submit timely and accurate payslips to support claims.