Support For Parents Returning To Work - Employment Support For Parents

By Alison Steed

WORKING mums who have lost their job thanks to the recession are being offered extra help by the Government through a £10m package of community-based support available through local schools and other areas mothers use as part of their everyday life.

Many parents are losing part-time work as a result of the credit crunch, and are not accessing support that is available at Jobcentre Plus, such as advice, free training, or help to set up their own businesses.

The 25 most deprived local authorities will be targeted with the £10m pilot scheme, and will aim to provide employment support at local schools, bring work trials and childcare support into the community, and bring a package of support to parents who want to become self-employed.

Yvette Cooper, secretary of state for Work and Pensions, said: “Helping parents back into work is important and has a profound effect on child poverty.

"Every child should get a fair start in life, every child should have the chance to get on, to develop their potential, to chase their dreams. We believe in equality of opportunity for children as they grow. Children get left behind for years to come if their family gets left behind today.

"Over a hundred thousand children could be lifted out of poverty if more second parents were able to work as their children get older. That is why it is so important to provide the help and support for parents who lose their jobs too."

The Government also want to make sure that mums who have taken a break to raise their families get the support they need to get back to work once their children are older. There is already £5 billion of support available, such as training, work trials and experience, support to become self-employed or a £1,000 voucher to employers.