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A wage subsidy scheme which supported 55 new jobs across Inverclyde last year has reopened for employers who are able to take on extra staff.
The Inverclyde Council initiative is available to local businesses with less than 500 workers and will pay 50 per cent of the actual hourly rate to a maximum of £6,500 or 52 weeks, whichever comes first.
There is no restriction on the type of job that can be supported but posts must be between 16 and 40 hours of work per week, for a minimum one-year contract, be additional to the existing workforce and not a replacement for a redundant employee.
This year the council has increased the budget to £350,000 for the wage subsidy programme.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s Convener of Environment & Regeneration, said:
“While things are extremely difficult at present due to the coronavirus pandemic, there are still companies out there that are able to reshape their business and hire new staff.
“That’s why the wage subsidy is there, to support local firms that are able to develop their business, especially during these challenging times, and support the expansion of the Inverclyde workforce.
“I would encourage any business owner who thinks they may be eligible to get in touch with the council’s employability and skills team to find out if they fit the criteria.”
The maximum subsidy has increased from £5,000 to £6,500 this year.
In the last 12 months, the scheme saw employers across many sectors benefitting from the programme, with a diverse range of jobs supported including a dental nurse, boat detailer, trade apprenticeship, administrator and mechanic.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the council is able to backdate support to employment start dates of 1 April 2020 onwards.
For more information about the scheme and to access an application form, click here.
