THE Leader of Basildon Council recently joined senior officers to welcome eight successful applicants on their first day with the council.

Each of the eight new starters will complete a six-month placement with Basildon Council, gaining on the job experience and new skills to increase their chances of gaining long term employment.

The placements are secured through government funding set aside to support young people aged 16-24 currently claiming Universal Credit who have found themselves at risk of long-term unemployment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Council leader Cllr Andrew Baggott said: "The pandemic has had a dramatic effect on the career development of young people in Basildon. We received hundreds of applications for this first intake, which shows just how important this scheme is to local people.

"The Kickstart scheme means we are able to help enthusiastic and passionate young people get back into work, which is exactly where they want to be. We have worked with colleagues across Essex to encourage other businesses to take on Kickstart applicants and I would urge any local business to look into whether they can provide a Kickstart placement for a local young person."

Basildon Council will be taking on another cohort of young people later this year through the Kickstart scheme. Prospective applicants are encouraged to speak to their job coach for more information.