This is a very significant – but one-off – intervention in the labour market. 

No one was more pleased to see Kickstart announced than me.

The new Government Kickstart Programme will be providing fully funded temporary jobs for young people from the Autumn.

I’ve been part of the Youth Employment Group since it began a week or so into lockdown, it’s been brilliant to see 100s of committed organisations sharing their views on what’s going to matter moving forward.  The Government’s announcements investing in jobs, training and support for young people is exactly what we need and what we ALL called for. 

Lockdown – Appreciation, simplicity and connection

This past 100 days have been a blur, a roller coaster ride. There we were, rushing here and there meeting, eating, driving, and surviving, lurching from one event to another. Then it all suddenly stopped. Nothing gradual about it. It’s like I rode by bicycle into a wall. It was a shock. Stay At Home!

This time last year we packed the main hall in Blackburne House with enthusiastic people, it was a roasting hot day too. How times have changed.