Looking to grow your team in 2025? The UK government offers a variety of funding options, incentives, and support schemes to help employers hire, train, and retain staff. Whether you’re a small business owner or a larger organisation, there are programmes designed to reduce recruitment costs and develop skills in the workforce.
Available Employer Funding Options
- Apprenticeship Funding: Employers in England can get 95–100% of training costs covered through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-funding.
- Kickstart Scheme (previous years): While now closed, employers who took part received funding to cover 25 hours of wages per week for 6-month placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit.
- Sector-Based Work Academies: Free short training programmes linked to real job vacancies, often combined with funding or wage incentives.
- Wage Incentives (for specific benefit claimants): Employers hiring long-term unemployed, young people, or disabled workers may receive grants or support through Jobcentre Plus.
- Access to Work Grants: Available for employers who hire disabled workers, to help cover specialist equipment or workplace adaptations.
Benefits of Using Government Schemes
These schemes not only reduce the cost of recruitment and training but also open your business up to new talent pools and community support. Many of these programmes are supported through Jobcentre Plus and local training providers.
Where to Get Started
- Visit the official GOV.UK Employer Hub for full details on schemes
- Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office to ask about support available in your area
- Speak with your local council or LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) for regional employer support programmes
More Employer Resources
Note: Funding schemes and incentives are often updated each financial year, so check regularly with official sources to stay up to date.
