This site is an archive of the OneSpace Forums. Return to forum index.

Do single parents want to work?

caroline /coach

Single parents used to be able to claim income support until there youngest child was sixteen. Now the government would like single parents to start looking for work when their youngest child is 12, in two years time this will be reduced to 7 years old. This means single parents with youngest children of these ages will not get Income Support but will get JSA and be expected to look for work.

I wonder if many single parents knew about these changes and if single parents with children of these ages felt ready to look for paid work?

What is your opinion on this? Does it worry you or do you think that going back to work will improve your life?

If you are already working, how is it for you to be a working single parent?

Caroline One Space Career Coach

Posted on: September 18, 2008 - 1:17pm
SadieTwins

Hi Caroline

Well, I work part time, and have just managed to get back to enough hours to be back on the tax credit system, thank goodness, because being on income support was really hard!! I was working a few hours term time only, and I didn't even get income support (£60) because I was earing £100pw, so I had to pay my mortgage and all other costs out of the £100pw because I was get this "earning more than the law says I need to live on"..... like, how can a single person let alone someone with 2 children live on £60pw.....its impossible!!! And even in the holidays when I wasn't working they got the payments wrong and didn't give me the £60pw!!! It was very difficult, and then they stopped it becuase I didn't go to an interview... an interview that they hadn't told me about.. so how I was supposed to attend... a complete incompetent... rar rar rar....

I didn't want to work when my boys were little because they always come first in my book, and still do which is why I work part time now they're 7. I couldn't work full time and praise any single mum who can do that, because I just couldn't do it!! I'm shattered on 5hrs a day and get to pick the kids up from school which is what I think is more important than money to be honest!!

I really don't know why the government is taking such a hard line (well apart from people taking the micky and having kids to get a council house and then don't ever train or work and so.....)., I believe (this is my opinion), that the reason why we have so many unhappy teenagers is becuase they are not being looked after by their parents. I know kids who's parents work full time and they are in childcare till 6pm every evening, I really don't think thats healthy for the kids

So in an ideal world I would work less than I am (currently 5 days a week) so that I could keep on top of the housework as well as have alot more time and energy for my kids!!! But I have to pay the bills and keep the roof over our heads so I don't get that option!!

Being a single parent means we havve to do it all, and something has to give... with me its the housework and getting into debt.... I just look to the future and think that when the kids are big enough and don't need me so much I will be able to sort it all out!!

Posted on: September 18, 2008 - 7:40pm
caroline /coach

Hi Sadie

Thanks for your email, you give a really good description of the issues that many single parents when they work. The problem is that single parents already have a job- looking after their children and managing the home! So going into paid work means that you are doing two jobs, a big ask....but needs must and we all have bills to pay.

In my experience working part time is best for many single parents; you need to do over sixteen hours to get in-work benefits. Depending on how much you get paid, you will also get in work benefits. It’s a really good idea to check this out before you start work, you can do this on line at http://www.entitledto.com/, at the job centre or call tax credit helpline on 0845 300 3900.

As Sadie said there are a lot of decisions to make about how much time you want to work and how much time you need to spend with your kids. At the end of the day that’s your decision and you know what’s best for you and your kids and how much money you need to get by.

There is no magic formulae but lots of single parents do manage to get a good balance, my tip would be to think about what you need and what your kids need and work out the finances before you take a job. Its good to plan ahead but if you haven't don’t feel pressurised by the job centre, if you can not find a job that fits in with family then spend more time looking, try the public sector; such as schools, hospitals and councils they can offer flexible working in some roles.

As far as I know you can not be forced to take a job that does not fit in a round your kids so don’t do it! Going back to work is a good thing but do it on your terms.

Any more questions/ comments send them through!

Good Luck
Caroline
ONE SPACE Career Coach for Single Parents

Posted on: September 19, 2008 - 10:11am
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

If single parents want to work, if they can, they will. There are so many obstacles to overcome when you are on your own, especially when you have no family to help and you really are on your own.

I believe the measures have been introduced after media hype, making decent lone-parents who are in a situation they never dreamt they'd be in feeling shame at claiming benefits. The government has acted on this - easy prey really - to keep the public happy. Really, they could get some more fraud officers in to catch the benefit cheats and save far more money.

I don't think those who want to be on benefits and who know how to "work" the system will end up in work. After all, why should employers be forced to take on someone who doesn't want to work?

I'm really struggling at the mo as I want to train to be a driving instructor. To do this I've had to buy a car. I've done this, simply because my 12 year old son has DLA. No help available to me with the training though. I do think there should be loans available along the student loan system. I will probably have to apply for a Career Development loan - with 13.9% apr repayment - to complete my training. I don't want handouts, I want a loan with reasonable terms. You see personal loans advertised for 7.4%, yet I can't get one... I can only get one with double the interest rate.

It's no one's fault that I'm in this position, I know.

Posted on: November 29, 2008 - 9:34pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

... and I failed the first part of my test this morning. Flew through the theory, failed by three points on the hazard and perception. No one can tell you where you went wrong though, so I don't see the point paying £80 to try again when I know I'd choose the same hazards...

Oh well. I have a Sociology essay to write (passing this course so far!). Maybe I need to re-think my life. Again... :(

Posted on: January 16, 2009 - 3:19pm
Louise
Parenting specialist DoppleMe

Oh what a shame sparkiling lime, pipped at the post. You say you want to think about other career options? I think it is a great shame that it is so expensive to re-take the test....and ridiculous that they won't show you where you went wrong.

I endorse your comments about a career loan. There are enough hurdles put in the way of lone parents working, and particualrly working at a job with real career prospects and opportunities to earn well, in my opinion. Family support DOES make a world of difference, there's no doubt. ;)

Keep on trucking, sparkly, you're doing great!

Louise :D

Posted on: January 17, 2009 - 5:53pm
sparklinglime
DoppleMe

Thanks for the encouragement Louise.

I opened a bottle of wine last night! Still thinking...

Posted on: January 17, 2009 - 8:02pm