Thursday 27th November 2008
Government to 'help single parents get jobs'

The government has said it is to give lone parents extra support to help prepare for work.

Changes to the benefit system will mean single parents will have a better chance to find employment and more opportunities to gain from training schemes, according to work and pensions minister Kitty Ussher.

As part of the reforms parents of children aged 12 or more will be prevented from making new or repeat claims for Income Support but can claim either Job Seeker's Allowance or an Employment and Support Allowance.

Ms Ussher said: "Specialist lone parent employment advisers will help lone parents prepare for work by building their skills and confidence, as well as offering practical help with CV training and finding appropriate childcare."

The minister went on to say that because of global economic problems "it's essential that we give people more not less opportunity to find work and support themselves and their families."

According to a survey by netmums.com, 61 per cent of single mums are currently in work and of those not working 15 per cent have special needs or a disabled child.

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