A month after launching a new scheme entitled ‘Kickstart’, which aims to help create jobs for unemployed young people, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has already reached 400 placements and says it is looking to facilitate hundreds more.

Under the scheme, the Department of Work and Pensions pays wages and employment costs for a six-month job placement, for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. In addition, the Government is investing £2 billion in the fully-funded scheme to help boost the economy. 

Independent pharmacies can access the scheme via the NPA, in partnership with recruitment company Reed.  

Louise Baglole, NPA’s head of learning and development said: “We are proud to be doing our bit to help young people and society at large in this way, while at the same time supporting independent pharmacies during a period of intense pressure for them.”