Wage Subsidy Scheme – Barnsley

The Wage Subsidy Scheme from Barnsley Council supports businesses to recruit and train young people while reducing the cost and risk of employment. Delivered through the Pathways to Work programme and funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the scheme has now been expanded to support more employers across the region.

What support is available?

Businesses can benefit from:

• Up to £6,000 towards wage costs over 13 weeks
• Funding based on National Minimum Wage levels
• Ongoing support from the Pathways to Work team
• Access to pre-supported candidates ready for employment

What’s changed?

The scheme has recently been expanded to increase impact across South Yorkshire:

• Now open to businesses with up to 250 employees
• Increased funding to support hundreds of new job opportunities
• Wider employer eligibility to support business growth and workforce development

Who can be recruited?

• Young people aged 16–30
• Individuals who are economically inactive
• Candidates supported through the Pathways to Work programme

All candidates receive pre-employment support to prepare them for the workplace.

Role requirements

Employers must:

• Offer roles lasting at least 6 months
• Provide 16–35 hours per week
• Be able to support up to five placements

Find out more