For businesses considering recruiting, you could receive £3,000 for each eligible young person you employ through the Youth Jobs Grant scheme.
The young person must:
- be aged 18 to 24;
- be claiming Universal Credit;
- have been unemployed for at least six months;
- be recruited into an eligible role of at least 25 hours per week;
- remain employed for at least four months; and
- be paid at least the applicable National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Kevin Lawrenson, NPTA chief executive, said: “For a pest control employer already considering taking on a new technician, trainee technician, service support employee or another genuine new recruit, the scheme could help offset some of the early costs associated with recruitment, onboarding and training.
“The role must be a real paid job. It cannot simply replace an existing employee or displace an existing role.”
The total grant is £3,000 per eligible hire, paid in two instalments, £1,800 after six weeks and £1,200 after 18 weeks. Payments are subject to the scheme conditions being met and employment and earnings being verified.
Can small pest control businesses apply?
Yes. The scheme is open to employers of different sizes, including sole traders, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. In simple terms, the employer must:
- operate in Great Britain;
- have been trading for at least six months;
- be registered with HMRC, including the relevant UTR and PAYE requirements offer a genuine, safe and lawful paid role;
- pay at least the applicable minimum wage; and
- not use the role to replace existing staff.
The Government’s own employer guide says the initial application has been designed to take around 20 minutes.
The process is broadly:
- Apply to join the scheme;
- DWP checks employer eligibility;
- Submit details of the vacancy;
- The role is checked and promoted through DWP;
- Potential eligible candidates are matched to the opportunity;
- You choose who you recruit; and
- Grant payments are made once the relevant conditions are met.
Importantly, the employer still makes the final recruitment decision. You are not required to employ someone simply because they have been referred to you.
Mr Lawrenson added: “The pest management industry continues to need new people, new skills and a stronger pipeline of future talent.
“At NPTA, we are already investing in this through initiatives such as the Syngenta NPTA 5<25 Professional Futures Programme and our wider work to promote careers in pest management.”
Mr Lawrenson continued: “The Youth Jobs Grant could provide another practical route for employers who are already thinking about recruitment but may be concerned about the initial cost of bringing someone new into the industry.
“For the right business and the right candidate, £3,000 of support could make that decision easier.”
