JobStart

16 October 2025

The new JobStart Scheme provides funding from the Department for Communities (DfC) to allow employers to create new job opportunities to help those who are currently unemployed or economically inactive, in receipt of working age benefits and wish to enter or re-enter the workplace.

What employers need to know about JobStart

Employers in Northern Ireland can receive 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage (determined by the participant’s age group) for up to 25 hours of work per week* along with the associated employer National Insurance contributions, and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. Participants in the JobStart Scheme will be supported through their job opportunity by Work Coaches in their local Jobs & Benefits office.

Employer criteria to participate in JobStart

• Employers must be based in Northern Ireland.
• Employers of all sizes can participate in the scheme.
• Employers in all sectors can participate (including the voluntary and community sector).
• Employers can offer one job or multiple jobs to participate in JobStart (depending on number of staff currently in permanent employment).
• JobStart opportunities must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
• Jobs offered must provide a 6-month opportunity (or a 9-month opportunity at reduced hours (where flexibility is required and has been approved by a Work Coach).
• Job opportunities must offer up to 25 hours of employment per week*.
• Jobs offered must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (for the participant’s age group) through PAYE.

JobStart funding available for employers

For each job opportunity, funding will cover:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage for up to 25 hours of work per week*
• the associated employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

How employers can participate in JobStart

• Employers can apply for JobStart by completing an online application form
• Employers should allow 4 to 6 weeks for their application to be considered.
• Once an application has been approved, DfC will arrange for the opportunity to be advertised on JobApplyNI.com.
• Employers will follow their own recruitment process to select the best eligible candidate for the JobStart opportunity.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 31 December 2025.

How working-age benefit claimants can participate in JobStart

Any person in receipt of working-age benefits can participate in the JobStart Scheme if they are assessed as being eligible by a Work Coach from their local Jobs & Benefits office. They can contact a Work Coach on 0800 001 5782 or by visiting their local Jobs & Benefits office.

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