Single parents lack necessary support to find suitable employment

The research, conducted by the University of the West of England and funded by the Big Lottery Research Programme, followed 50 single parents in Bristol for three years after their move from income support to JSA.

Of the single parents who gained employment during that time, none found work through their local Jobcentre, but instead through existing networks such as friends and previous employers.

All, except those who went into self-employment, took on low paid jobs with few prospects, where their previous qualifications and skills were not likely to be used.

In order to continue to receive benefits, single parents must be available for work once their children reach the age of five.

Sue Cohen, chief executive of the Single Parent Action Network, said: “Although single parents welcome the opportunity to work, they face a number of significant hurdles in returning to employment.

“Times may be hard, but there are many straightforward and practical steps that the government could take to support single parents as workers and carers. These include providing lone parent advisors for single parents on JSA and improved training for Jobcentre staff.

“There needs to be better service delivery in supporting skills, training, childcare and children’s well-being. More should be done to support those parents who want to start their own business, while employers should be encouraged to design quality jobs with part-time hours.”

According to the single parents themselves, Jobcentre Plus was not helpful in enabling them to balance their parental responsibilities with the need to work.

Some felt that the staff simply wanted them to go for any job irrespective of their qualifications or the best interests of their children.

Single parents reported seeing a different lone parent advisor on every visit, which they said damaged the continuity of support.

The research found that returning to work boosted the health, well-being and optimism of most parents, as well as improving family life through additional income.

But a lack of suitable childcare was a main barrier to returning to work, particularly for those with older children.

Suitable part-time jobs were difficult to find and parents felt Jobcentre staff could do more to liaise with employers, and encourage them to consider flexible hours or offer job-shares.