A scheme to help single parents get back into work is to benefit people across Wigan borough.
New benefit rules to help lone parents into work by helping them find additional training, prepare for the workplace and find suitable childcare, have been laid in Parliament.
Under current rules lone parents can claim Income Support until their y
oungest child reaches 16.
As a result of these changes, from November, single parents whose children are aged 12 and over, will move off Income Support and on to Jobseeker's Allowance if they are capable of work.
They will move on to Employment and Support Allowance if they cannot work because of a disability or health condition.
Under the new proposals lone parents of older children will have increased contact with a Jobcentre Plus employment adviser for individual support and, for those who can, help them find work.
The Government will be writing to all 17,090 lone parents in the North West who are claiming Income Support and whose youngest child is aged 11 plus from the end of this month to tell them about the changes.
The Government understands that lone parents need to balance responsibilities for their children with work requirements.
But paid work has benefits that go beyond making families better off.
It improves the health and well-being and future prospects of both parents and children.
Secretary of State James Purnell said:"More than a million lone parents across the UK are already working, supporting themselves and their families.
"The number of lone parents in work has risen by 11.6% since 1997, meaning an extra 320, 000 lone parents now have a job.
"Work is the best route out of poverty and these reforms will offer lone parents access to a range of support to help move into paid work and stay there."
There will be additional flexibility for lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, as we recognise that some lone parents face circumstances that need special consideration.
This includes taking into account the availability, suitability and affordability of childcare, including in the school holidays.
If the regulations are approved by Parliament they will come into force from November 24 this year.
The full article contains 369 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
