JobStart
Employer incentive scheme to help people who are currently unemployed to enter or re-enter the workplace.
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.
Who it is for
- Employers must be based in Northern Ireland.
- Employers of all sizes can participate in the scheme.
- Employers in all sectors can participate (including the voluntary and community sector).
- Employers can offer one job or multiple jobs to participate in JobStart (depending on number of staff currently in permanent employment).
- JobStart opportunities must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
- Jobs offered must provide a 6-month opportunity (or a 9-month opportunity at reduced hours (where flexibility is required and has been approved by a Work Coach).
- Job opportunities must offer up to 25 hours of employment per week*.
- Jobs offered must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (for the participant’s age group) through PAYE.
DfC will perform due diligence and financial checks on all employers.
Support you can get
For each job opportunity, funding will cover:
- 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage for up to 25 hours of work per week*
- the associated employer National Insurance contributions
- employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions
Following approval of an individualised training plan, employers can avail of funding for each job opportunity to cover any support and training the participant may need. A support grant of £750 is available for 6-month opportunities and £1,000 for 9-month opportunities. The grant will be paid in three instalments (or four instalments for 9-month opportunities) once required conditions have been met.
How to apply
Employers can apply for JobStart by completing an online application form at JobStart Employer Application.
Support organisers
- Department for Communities (DfC)