Employment Subsidies are available to participants on New Deal for Musicians. If an employer is able to offer a New Deal for Musicians participant a job lasting at least 6 months, and which has a view to permanency, then Jobcentre Plus can subsidise wages for 26 weeks. The only other conditions that must be satisfied are:
The rate of pay for the job should be at least the national minimum rate, relevant to the participant's age.
Employment should be "on the books".
If the above conditions are satisfied then the employer must complete an Employer Agreement and a questionnaire to confirm that Health and Safety arrangements for employees are in place. The participant can then begin work. The relevant paperwork to confirm that the person has started will then be issued. This consists of 3 forms:
A form for employer bank details.
A form asking both participant and employer to confirm a start date, to enable payment of subsidy.
A form which need only be completed if the job is terminated during the 26 week period for which the subsidy is paid.
The participant is taken on under the employer's terms and conditions, Jobcentre Plus do not impose any other conditions. In addition, Jobcentre Plus do not expect employers to keep any additional records beyond those they typically keep. The table below shows the level of subsidy available for participants on New Deal for Musicians. In addition, if training towards a vocational qualification is required as part of the job then a further training allowance is available for those on New Deal 18-24. There is no training fund available for participants on New Deal 25+. If you are an employer and are interested in finding out more about subsidies, or may have work experience placements available to those on NDfM, please contact Sarah at info@scottishculture.co.uk
If you are looking for employment within the arts at the moment, there are a few good websites you can visit:
Scottish Music Centre
Scottish Arts Council
BBC
Arts Professional
The List
Voluntary Arts
That's enough to get you started!
