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