Allister Hayman,
Regeneration & Renewal,
9 May 2008
Unemployed lone parents will receive extra support when returning to work under plans outlined by the work and pensions secretary this week.
James Purnell said that three elements of a pilot programme to break the cycle of people entering work after a long spell on benefits and then returning to welfare within weeks will be rolled out to all lone parents across England.
The expansion of the Employment, Retention and Advancement programme, which is currently being piloted over a random sample of benefits claimants, means that the in-work tax credit for lone parents will be increased by £40 a week nationally and £60 a week in London.
An in-work discretionary fund to provide up to £300 to deal with crises that may arise in the first six months of lone parents' employment will also be rolled out nationally.
Purnell also announced a new study into ways to tackle loan sharks and to address the cost of credit.
The news comes as the Home Office announced details of an overhaul of Britain's immigration system. Under the new rules, British-based firms will have to prove they cannot fill skilled posts with a British jobseeker before they may appoint a foreign worker.
