Two Macclesfield businesses have expressed interest in the government's Kickstart youth employment scheme following meetings with the local MP.

David Rutley MP recently met with Fabric-IT and Extra Mile Healthcare to discuss the scheme and it could benefit their businesses.

Carl Enser, a sales director at Fabric-IT, said he planned to use the scheme to recruit four young people to roles in IT, marketing and administration.

Under the £2 billion scheme, employers will be able to offer young people aged 16-24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment, a six-month work placement that is fully funded by the government.

At the meeting, Mr Enser said: "I am excited about getting involved with the Kickstart scheme. I want to help young people get into the world of work and have the opportunities I had.

"I started my career as an apprentice which has served me well and if I can help more young people achieve their ambitions that will be fantastic. I am pleased that this scheme is being rolled out at this important time."

In another meeting, Michelle Parry, director at Extra Mile Healthcare, and her team talked about how Kickstart will help with their recruitment plans in the months ahead. This local business, which provides health and social care for adults in their home environment, was started four years ago.

The scheme means the government will pay 100% of the young persons' age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week, which can be topped up by their employer should they choose to.

Also, for each young person that is hired the employer receives £1,500 to support any training or associated costs, such as uniforms.

Mr Rutley said: "I am grateful for the strong interest that these local businesses are showing in the Kickstart scheme. It has a vital role to play in creating jobs and giving young people the skills and experience that they will need to achieve their goals in the world of work.

"I hope that many more local businesses will take the opportunity to recruit Kickstarters into their business in the months ahead."

Referrals of candidates for roles will be made through the Jobcentre Plus network and the scheme will remain open until December 2021, with the final cohort of six-month roles to end in Summer 2022.

For more information about the Kickstart scheme click here.