If single parents want to work, if they can, they will. There are so many obstacles to overcome when you are on your own, especially when you have no family to help and you really are on your own.
I believe the measures have been introduced after media hype, making decent lone-parents who are in a situation they never dreamt they'd be in feeling shame at claiming benefits. The government has acted on this - easy prey really - to keep the public happy. Really, they could get some more fraud officers in to catch the benefit cheats and save far more money.
I don't think those who want to be on benefits and who know how to "work" the system will end up in work. After all, why should employers be forced to take on someone who doesn't want to work?
I'm really struggling at the mo as I want to train to be a driving instructor. To do this I've had to buy a car. I've done this, simply because my 12 year old son has DLA. No help available to me with the training though. I do think there should be loans available along the student loan system. I will probably have to apply for a Career Development loan - with 13.9% apr repayment - to complete my training. I don't want handouts, I want a loan with reasonable terms. You see personal loans advertised for 7.4%, yet I can't get one... I can only get one with double the interest rate.
It's no one's fault that I'm in this position, I know.
... and I failed the first part of my test this morning. Flew through the theory, failed by three points on the hazard and perception. No one can tell you where you went wrong though, so I don't see the point paying £80 to try again when I know I'd choose the same hazards...
Oh well. I have a Sociology essay to write (passing this course so far!). Maybe I need to re-think my life. Again... :(
Oh what a shame sparkiling lime, pipped at the post. You say you want to think about other career options? I think it is a great shame that it is so expensive to re-take the test....and ridiculous that they won't show you where you went wrong.
I endorse your comments about a career loan. There are enough hurdles put in the way of lone parents working, and particualrly working at a job with real career prospects and opportunities to earn well, in my opinion. Family support DOES make a world of difference, there's no doubt. ;)
Keep on trucking, sparkly, you're doing great!
Louise :D
Thanks for the encouragement Louise.
I opened a bottle of wine last night! Still thinking...
Hi Caroline
Well, I work part time, and have just managed to get back to enough hours to be back on the tax credit system, thank goodness, because being on income support was really hard!! I was working a few hours term time only, and I didn't even get income support (£60) because I was earing £100pw, so I had to pay my mortgage and all other costs out of the £100pw because I was get this "earning more than the law says I need to live on"..... like, how can a single person let alone someone with 2 children live on £60pw.....its impossible!!! And even in the holidays when I wasn't working they got the payments wrong and didn't give me the £60pw!!! It was very difficult, and then they stopped it becuase I didn't go to an interview... an interview that they hadn't told me about.. so how I was supposed to attend... a complete incompetent... rar rar rar....
I didn't want to work when my boys were little because they always come first in my book, and still do which is why I work part time now they're 7. I couldn't work full time and praise any single mum who can do that, because I just couldn't do it!! I'm shattered on 5hrs a day and get to pick the kids up from school which is what I think is more important than money to be honest!!
I really don't know why the government is taking such a hard line (well apart from people taking the micky and having kids to get a council house and then don't ever train or work and so.....)., I believe (this is my opinion), that the reason why we have so many unhappy teenagers is becuase they are not being looked after by their parents. I know kids who's parents work full time and they are in childcare till 6pm every evening, I really don't think thats healthy for the kids
So in an ideal world I would work less than I am (currently 5 days a week) so that I could keep on top of the housework as well as have alot more time and energy for my kids!!! But I have to pay the bills and keep the roof over our heads so I don't get that option!!
Being a single parent means we havve to do it all, and something has to give... with me its the housework and getting into debt.... I just look to the future and think that when the kids are big enough and don't need me so much I will be able to sort it all out!!