Govt offers lone parents job help

Mon 24 Nov 2008

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

Its changes to the benefit system will mean lone parents will get closer to the employment market as well as benefit from training opportunities.

According to Work and Pensions Minister Kitty Ussher: "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."

New changes to the benefits system prevent parents of children aged 12 or more to make new or repeat claims for Income Support.

Instead, they will claim either Job Seeker's Allowance or an Employment and Support Allowance.

Ms Ussher said 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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