Very Group to create new youth roles under UK's Kickstart scheme

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Jun 15, 2021

The Very Group is set to take advantage of the UK government’s Kickstart scheme to create 30 news roles for young people within its online-based fashion operations.

The scheme, set up to improve opportunities for young people at risk of long-term unemployment, will offer work experience during paid six-month placements. Positions will be on offer within Very’s Customer Care, Technology or Colleague Experience teams at its Liverpool-based HQ, or within its operations team at its fulfilment centre in the East Midlands.

Very, which operates the Very and Littlewoods online brands, will supplement the chosen applicants’ government-funded wage and expects a number of the ‘Kickstarters’ to have the opportunity to apply for permanent roles at the end of their placements.

The programme, which will run from July to December, will see the Kickstarters supported by their new line managers, as well as a personal mentor and a ‘buddy’ from Very.

Vicky Ferrier, talent and capability director for The Very Group, said: “When it comes to the jobs market, young people have been disproportionately negatively impacted by the pandemic. But we know they have a huge amount to offer, both to our business and our communities. That’s why Kickstart is so important and why we’re proud to take part.
 
“By offering genuinely exciting, valuable and supported paid placements across our business – and providing employability skills alongside our partner The Prince’s Trust, we’re confident the chosen applicants will have bright futures ahead of them, whether that’s here at The Very Group or with another employer. We can’t wait to welcome the Kickstarters in July”.