Single parents back into work

Single parents with children aged ten years and over will now have to start looking for work rather than stay on benefits.

As their children will be well into full time education, new government regulations mean that single parents claiming Income Support only because they are a loan parent will have to look for part time work or jobs that fit with school hours.

Parents will move onto Jobseeker’s Allowance and given a range of support and training opportunities to get them back into work.

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.

“But parents also need extra support and welfare reforms must be family friendly too. That’s why we’re increasing employment support through schools and children’s centres as well as through the New Deal for Lone Parents. It’s essential that everyone gets the personal help and advice they need on things like child care and training.

“Many parents also want to work part-time so they can pick their kids up from school or make sure they do their homework. So we’re making it easier for parents to look for jobs that fit with school hours – both through regulations and developing changes to Jobcentres too.”

Already, three in five loan parents are back in work before their youngest child reaches ten and despite the recession the number is increasing.

From 25 October 2010 single parents with a child age seven or over will also have to start looking for work.

Lone parents will be contacted before their Income Support is due to stop to invite them to an interview explaining new changes and how to claim for another benefit.