Berwick MP meets first Kickstart employee at Haggerston Castle Holiday Park

Anthony Swan is one of hundreds of 16-24 year olds across the country who might otherwise have been at risk of long-term unemployment who are being taken on by employers.

The Kickstart scheme covers 100% of National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage (depending on the age of the employee) for 25 hours per week for six months.

The scheme also covers National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension contributions. Further funding is available for training and other support to help employers create long-term jobs for young people.

Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan met Anthony on Friday and also spoke to park manager David Fairclough about how they had found the scheme so far. Kay Charlton and Claire Duggan, local Department for Work and Pensions representatives, also joined the visit to talk about the scheme and how it is working across the county.

Anne-Marie said: “I am delighted to have been asked along to talk to Anthony and hear from him how he is finding the Kickstart scheme.

"It was great to witness his enthusiasm and passion when telling me about the new skills he has learned. This scheme is a great deal for businesses and for the young people it helps into work.”

She added:“It was also wonderful to see the park doing so well now that restrictions are lifting, welcoming visitors to this fantastic corner of Northumberland once more.”

Last month, Haven revealed it would be providing 25 job placements at Haggerston and Berwick Holiday Park under the Kickstart scheme.

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