Murphy gets Kickstart Scheme thumbs-up and goes one step further!

Fifty two (52) new recruits will be joining Murphy as part of its commitment to supporting the government’s Kickstart Scheme, attracting more young people into the sector and increasing diversity.

Murphy has received government approval for its Kickstart application and gone one step further by offering the placements the chance to take up permanent opportunities in operational roles once the initial six month placement finishes. Recruitment for the placements at Murphy, which are available in various areas across the UK, is starting this month and will start on projects across the business early next year.  Any interested young people should contact their local Job Centre Plus work coach in the first instance.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said:

“It’s great to see Murphy become a Kickstart employer, nurturing and supporting our next generation of workers in a growing sector, as well as offering the applicants the chance to take up permanent opportunities beyond the six-month placement – a fantastic commitment to young people taking up these roles.

“The Kickstart Scheme gives thousands of young jobseekers a chance to get on the jobs ladder – they’ll gain vital work experience, build a network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves. As Murphy begins recruitment this month, I wish applicants every success on their Kickstart journey.”

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to help employers create new six-month job placements for young people currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.  The programme requires employers to offer not only work experience but also an employability support programme and to pay the minimum wage.  Murphy has also committed to exceed these requirements in all areas.

Murphy’s Group People Director Dawn Moore said, “We have a proactive approach to attracting younger people into construction and engineering, and alongside our graduate and existing apprenticeship schemes, we felt the Kickstart scheme was a positive addition to our growing business. Kickstart provides a great opportunity for young people who are otherwise at risk of long term unemployment and as the first major contractor to support the scheme with a large number of opportunities, we decided to take it one step further and offer all those who join us a permanent role if they want it at the end of their placement.”

Murphy CEO John Murphy added “There’s a real opportunity for young people to work on some of our largest and most exciting projects that are essential to keeping our economy moving, from HS2 to London Power Tunnels. I strongly believe in our direct delivery approach - that recruiting and developing our own people is the right approach for Murphy, our projects and our clients. I also believe now is the right time for employers to look at helping those affected by the pandemic and recession, to provide new opportunities for those who need them,” added John.

More information on the Kickstart Scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions is available here: https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart/

As part of its Kickstart programme, Murphy has also recently become the first major construction sector employer to start actively using the ‘Inclusive Employer Toolkit’ - a step by step guide to support employers to take tangible action on workforce diversity and inclusion.