Recruits ‘Kickstart’ growth plans

Accrington based NORI HR & Employment Law has taken on the first of 30 planned new recruits through the government's Kickstart scheme to aid its continued expansion.

So far, 15 young people from across Lancashire and Northern England, aged 19 to 24, have joined in the role of trainee business development managers.

Jason Govindji-Bruce, joint managing director, said: “We’ve grown our HR consultancy very rapidly in the last year, despite the global pandemic, and have ambitious plans to now scale it even more significantly.

“Our growth plans depend on having a dedicated team of business development Managers connecting us with local businesses in the places where they live.

“The Kickstart programme has enabled us to bring forward our investment in these new roles whilst also providing quality jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment as a result of Covid-19.

“We’re really pleased to have been able to welcome the first of these new colleagues into our family business.”

Employment minister Mims Davies has hailed the firm for its use of the scheme. She said: “It’s fantastic to see NORI HR & Employment Law become a Kickstart employer, giving young jobseekers in Accrington a vital chance to get on the jobs ladder.

“Successful applicants will gain vital work experience, build a key network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves.

“Businesses across every sector, including human resources and legal services are getting involved and taking up the opportunity to nurture and support the next generation of workers, with the added benefit that all Kickstart placements are fully-funded by the government for the first six months.”

Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliff, met some of the new recruits as they were being inducted.

She said: “It’s fab to see a local Hyndburn business like NORI HR using the Kickstart scheme to boost its growth and give out-of-work young people the chance of an exciting new career.

“This is exactly what we need to see if we're to build back better as we emerge from the shadow of Coronavirus."

Announced by chancellor Rishi Sunak in July 2020, the Kickstart scheme is overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new jobs for 16-to-24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding.