Families better off all round (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Families better off all round

8:31am Saturday 24th February 2007

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AN online survey among UK lone parents has shown that 67 per cent of respondents in the West Midlands who had experience of both working and caring for their children full time say that working made them feel more independent and 67 per cent also felt more confident.

The research was commissioned by Jobcentre Plus and carried out by One Parent Families, the national charity for lone parents and their children.

Those who took part in the survey were asked to compare their working lives to the time spent caring full-time for their children. Most respondents in the West Midlands agreed that the benefits of work went beyond just financial security, with over half (57 per cent) saying that work made them feel more satisfied with life generally.

Many respondents from the West Midlands were also positive about the wider impact of work on their lives: 77 per cent said work made them feel more sociable.

73 per cent said it gave them a sense of identity.

69 per cent said working gave them a sense of achievement.

However, childcare and flexible hours emerged as a key issue when entering work, with 63 per cent saying that they felt it had been difficult to find a job that fitted in with childcare or school hours.

Denise Nixon, a specialist Lone Parent Adviser at Jobcentre Plus, said, "Nationally, we help thousands of lone parents start work every month by helping them overcome the practical challenges they face. If you're looking after a child by yourself but thinking about getting back into work, our Lone Parent Advisers can help you explore the options best suited to your situation. For example, they can provide information on Sure Start's Children's Centres or their Children's Information Service. Alternatively, they can help you find work part-time, full time or jobshare and can advise you on training for the job you want."

One Parent Families' research also showed that most respondents in the West Midlands found that the very experience of looking after children on their own had helped them to develop useful skills.

More than four out of five said that caring for their children had helped them to become self-reliant, 83 per cent said it had taught them to juggle lots of things at once and 81 per cent said it had made them better at budgeting.

Chris Pond, chief executive of One Parent Families said, "We know that nine out of ten lone parents want to work when the time is right for them and their children and this survey shows that work can bring real benefits. But the survey also highlights the barriers to finding work that many lone parents face, and with which they need help and support. The voluntary New Deal for Lone Parents can provide this help, and avoids pressuring lone parents to take up work that may not be suitable for them."

Whilst 57 per cent of respondents in the West Midlands said that having a job made them worry more about their children, 80 per cent also thought that the fact that they had a job set a good example to their children. Half of respondents in the West Midlands mentioned that reassurance that they would be better off with a job than on benefits, was important in helping them think about work.

Denise Nixon of Jobcentre Plus said, "Going back to work can be a difficult step to make if you're not sure about the financial impact it's going to have on your family. If you're in any doubt, pop into your local Jobcentre Plus where we can run a tailored calculation so you can see upfront how having a job could help improve your financial situation."

Throughout February and March, Jobcentre Plus will be mailing information to lone parents in Britain who receive income support, outlining the help and support available through their specialist advisers in entering the jobs market.

To find your nearest Jobcentre Plus, log onto www.jobcentreplus.org.uk or if you're looking for a job, call 0845 606 0234.

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