More And More Single Mums In Work

Although bringing up kids sometimes feels like a full-time job in itself, especially if you're a lone parent, more and more single mums are choosing to balance work with parenthood. Now, 80% of Britain's two million lone parents either work or want to work

If you're a single mum who's yet to join the masses in the world of work, you'll want to know about recent changes to the benefit system. Now, lone parents whose children are all aged ten or over, must look for work. This means you'll no longer get Income Support - but don't panic! You will be entitled to Jobseeker's Allowance to tide you over until you're back in work and there's lots of help available to help you land a job that fits around your family

Get work-ready

So where do you start? You may be worried about updating your CV or in need of advice on how to make a good impression at interview. If you feel like you need new qualifications to get your dream job, you may want to get some training under your belt. As a lone parent, you might even get help with course fees from the Jobcentre.

Jane Bull, lone parent adviser at Jobcentre Plus says:'a job can feel daunting for many of the single mums and dads I see. Having devoted time to caring for young children, many worry about gaps on their CV or about who would look after the kids if they're at work. Together we address their concerns and make sure that support continues even when they get a job.'

Though some single mums take to work like a duck to water, it's natural for others to feel apprehensive. If you want to test the waters before committing to a permanent job, you could consider doing a work trial, in a genuine vacancy, for up to 30 days. You'd continue to get your benefits and, if the trial works well for you and your children, you can apply to keep the job permanently. Employers love this option too as they get the chance to know you. In fact most bosses take a shine to people doing work trials and take them on full time