Covid inquiry: Rishi Sunak says support for self-employed was ‘generous’ but ‘imperfect’

Sunak says ‘young people particularly at risk’ during pandemicpublished at 15:23 GMT

15:23 GMT

Tinshui Yeung
Reporting from the inquiry

The inquiry then moves from support for the self-employed to a scheme for young people.

During the pandemic, the Kickstart scheme provided funding to create new jobs for 16-to-24-year-olds on universal credit who were at risk of long-term unemployment.

Employers could apply for funding for 100% of the national minimum wage for 25 hours per week for a total of six months for these workers.

Sunak is asked if there was particular significance in trying to target young people from 16 to 24 years old.

Yes, he replies.

“That was something that weighed on me quite heavily throughout the pandemic was an understanding that young people were particularly at risk,” he explains.

“And we also know that if young people have bad interaction with the labour market early in their careers, if they’re not able to find stable work when they’re young, that has an impact on them for a long time to come.

“Even for those young people who would just emulate the market, those early years are really important in getting into good work habits and finding good stable employment that sets you up for life.

“So, you know, I was particularly worried about this cohort throughout.”