To help smaller agents compete on a level playing field with the larger corporates, The Guild of Property Professionals is planning to act as a representative for its members who would like to offer a new position to a young person that has been long-term unemployed on the Kickstart Scheme, after being accepted as a trusted member of the initiate.

The Guild says that it has a number of members who are keen to be a part of the scheme and who wish to take on recruits but are unable to accommodate the minimum 30 new appointments needed to participate in the initiative.

To be able to claim a grant in the Kickstart Scheme to fund the direct creation of high-quality jobs for young people at the highest risk of long-term unemployment, agencies need to make a minimum of 30 new appointments.

This gives an advantage to the larger corporates who can employ several new recruits, but ignores smaller independent estate and lettings agents who wish to take part in the scheme.

However, the scheme states that if a business is unable to offer this many job placements, they can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number, which is what The Guild will now be able to administer for its members.

Iain McKenzie, CEO of The Guild of Property Professionals, said: “Through the Guild, 19 independent agencies have already been approved for the scheme, with more Members awaiting approval, and will receive support to create high quality, six-month work placements for young people deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment.

“As an organisation we are proud to facilitate the creation of over 30 new jobs within the network, which will help launch young people’s career in the property industry. The success of many Members, including myself, has been a result of youth training schemes, such as the Kickstart Scheme, and now we can pass on this invaluable opportunity for future professionals.”

According to The Guild’s head of employee engagement and development, Jennifer Scott-Reid, members will be able to use to scheme to create a high quality, six-month work placement for 16-24 year olds who are on Universal Credit and are deemed to be at risk of long-term unemployment. She adds that the job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

Scott-Reid commented: “Applicants must provide evidence of how they will support and train the kickstarter, whether staff have been on furlough, reduction of hours worked or if there have been any redundancies, as well as an explanation around why the placement is a new position.”

She added: “Each job will be completely funded by the government, offering the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.”