UNITED Utilities is set to take on 250 young unemployed people.

The Lingley Mere-based water company has announced the recruitment drive as part of the government’s Kick Start programme, which funds six-month placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming Universal Credit and ‘at risk of long-term unemployment’.

Grants of £1,500 and wages of 25 hours a week are provided by Westminster per recruit as part of the scheme.

Around half of those set to be taken on will be given placements in customers services and operational support roles, while the remainder will work with United Utilities’ partners and contractors.

Customer services and people director Louise Beardmore said: “Kick Start is a brilliant initiative that aims to help companies give work opportunities to young people who have borne the brunt of the economic slowdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We know the north west has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the UK, and this year life has got even tougher.

“We’re absolutely certain there are some fantastic young people out there who just need a break and, as one of the biggest employers in the region, we need to be doing our bit to help too.

“For many of the people who apply, this will lead to full-time roles here with us at United Utilities and others will leave us with some great new skills to take to other employers.”