Inside the latest issue... theHRDIRECTOR Issue 69
This issue we speak to
James Dalgleish
Head of HR - London Fire Brigade

Lone parents 'encouraged' into workplace

Lone parents "encouraged" into workplace

A Government initiative launched this week is set to assist lone parents with children aged ten and over, to get help to look for work rather, than stay on benefits. New Government regulations will also make clear they can look for part time work or jobs that fit with school hours to ensure family friendly welfare reforms.

Lone parents whose child is aged ten or over will move onto Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) if they are able work, rather than Income Support. On JSA they will benefit from a comprehensive range of support including training opportunities, job application advice, interviews with specialist advisers and other financial grants to help them return to work.  They will also receive advice on childcare, benefits and part-time or family friendly working from specialist advisers through the New Deal for Lone Parents which has already helped over 600,000 parents into work. Lone parents with a health condition or disability which limits their capability for work will be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper said: "Already 80 per cent of all lone parents are either working or would like to work. And we know it's much better for families if parents can work. That's why we are changing the rules for parents with older children in school to help them find work."

According to the latest Household Labour Force Survey (2009 Q2), around 80 per cent of all lone parents and around 70 per cent of lone parents with a youngest child under the age of seven are either working or would like to work.  The Government plans to help more people off benefits and into work in a way that supports families.

28 October 2009