The JobStart Scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help those who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, in receipt of working age benefits and wish to enter or re-enter the workplace.

Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% funding to create job opportunities for 16 – 65 year-olds who are unemployed or economically inactive and need support to enter or re-enter the labour market.

Funding for each JobStart opportunity will cover:

the relevant National Living Wage for up to 25 hours per week*
the associated employer National Insurance contributions
an employer's minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions.

*Employers can offer additional hours but will have to fund the additional hours themselves

There will also be funding available to support participants to develop their employability and occupational skills and to help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their JobStart opportunity.

A support grant of £750 is available for 6-month opportunities and £1,000 for 9-month opportunities.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

For more information please visit Apply for JobStart Scheme funding | Department for Communities