A FAMILY business has taken on the first batch of up to 30 new young recruits as part of its expansion plans.

Accrington-based NORI HR and Employment Law has hired the young people as part of the government's Kickstart scheme.

The 15 new recruits, all aged between 19 and 24, have joined as business development managers.

NORI joint managing director Jason Govindji-Bruce said: "We've grown our HR consultancy very rapidly in the last year, despite the global pandemic, and have ambitious plans to now scale it even more significantly

"Our growth plans depend on having a dedicated team of business development managers connecting us with local businesses in the places where they live.

"The Kickstart initiative has enabled us to bring forward our investment in these new roles whilst also providing quality jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment as a result of Covid-19.

"We're really pleased to have been able to welcome the first of these new colleagues into our family business."

Some of the new recruits met with Hyndburn MP Sara Britcliffe as they were being inducted.

She said: "It's fab to see a local Hyndburn business like NORI HR using the Kickstart scheme to boost its growth and give out-of-work young people the chance of an exciting new career.

"This is exactly what we need to see if we're to build back better as we emerge from the shadow of coronavirus."

The Department of Work and Pensions, which oversees the Kickstart scheme, hopes that NORI HR will prove to be one of many success stories.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: "It’s fantastic to see NORI HR and Employment Law become a Kickstart employer, giving young jobseekers in Accrington a vital chance to get on the jobs ladder.

"Successful applicants will gain vital work experience, build a key network of contacts and learn the value of earning a wage for themselves.

"Businesses across every sector, including human resources and legal services are getting involved and taking up the opportunity to nurture and support the next generation of workers, with the added benefit that all Kickstart placements are fully-funded by the government for the first six months."

To find out more, go to: www.norihr.co.uk.