05 September 2011
Young jobseekers will receive incentive payments for attending work-related training programmes and unpaid work placements under new arrangements being introduced by the Minister for Social Security.
The youth incentive payments (YIPs) will be available to young Islanders aged 16 to 18. The payments will cover activities organised through Advance to Work, the Social Security Department, the Prince's Trust and the Jersey Employment Trust.
Funding for the payments has been made available following a change in the Income Support rules. The payments will initially be available for a 12-month period from September 2011 to August 2012.
The Minister for Social Security, Deputy Ian Gorst, said "I am very pleased to be able to introduce these new payments. Youth unemployment is still at a high level and this initiative will complement existing schemes by encouraging young people to take up these opportunities.
"Youth incentive payments will help motivate youngsters to participate fully in the range of work-related activities that are currently available from States departments and other organisations.
"For example, a young person starting an Advance to Work course will receive a bonus payment of £75 if they complete an agreed amount of training within an initial 8-week period. If they then move to an unpaid work placement, they will be able to claim £35 per week for each week successfully completed, with a £100 bonus available if they attend regularly over a 13-week placement.
"The structure of the incentive payments will reward the young person who participates fully in these activities, helping them move towards a permanent job."
Youth Incentive Payments scheme (education section)
gov.je