With a cost-of-living crisis and tackling child poverty high on the agenda, Susie Donkin, Employability Partnership Manager at the IS, looks at how local employability support can make sure that work pays for parents.
One of the key commitments of Scotland’s second tackling child poverty plan – Best Start, Bright Futures – is investment in an enhanced, holistic employability offer to parents to support them towards, into, and whilst in, fair work. This year, ministers have awarded approximately £53 million to Local Employability Partnerships, through No One Left Behind, to deliver this support across the country.
However, some still question whether encouraging parents into work is the right thing to do and for some parents, particularly those on low incomes, it can be far from a straightforward decision. What will the impact be on Universal Credit? What about childcare? What about having to juggle the stress of working life and parenting? How much better off will they really be?
There are no easy answers to the above questions but, in many cases, going to work part-time could make a huge positive impact on their finances, mental health, self-esteem, social circles, relationships and many other aspects of their lives.
Take Laura. Laura is a lone parent with two children – a 5-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son who is currently being tested for ADHD and autism. Laura’s confidence was low from being at home and dealing with her son’s challenging behaviour.
Laura made a huge effort to find out what was available locally to help her return to work. A dedicated key worker in her local employability support project helped her work through her perceived barriers to starting work and together they made a plan. This included building her confidence through taking part in courses and upskilling, and seeking a job that would fit around her children.
An In-Work Benefit Check (IWBC) was carried out as part of the service and showed that if she worked 16 hours per week – feasible around school hours – she would be better off by £504.73 a month if she was paid national minimum wage. This rose to £758.63 per month if she worked 35 hours per week – but she would then need to factor in childcare.
Whilst receiving Universal Credit, up to 85% of childcare costs can be refunded, which would reduce Laura’s monthly outgoings. She may also be entitled to a child disability payment if her son is diagnosed with a disability.
In addition to pre-employment support, people who progress into a job may be eligible for additional assistance, such as help with travel costs, clothing and tools or equipment to start work, along with ongoing in-work support and mentoring to help get through those first few uncertain months.
Laura was successful in securing 16 hours per week work as a home carer, which gives her the flexibility to work around her children. She is very grateful for all the support she received from her key worker and says she couldn’t have done it without her. She is over £500 per month better off and still receives Universal Credit.
Other case studies are available showing the value of moving into employment – not all of the benefits are financial. Sometimes it is about the long game.
Changing the narrative
Time and time again we hear from parents that someone has told them it’s not worth their while to find a job. We jointly need to challenge that – especially now, when the cost-of-living crisis is hitting families hard.
Parental Employability Support Projects operate in every local authority area and provide a range of valuable services:
- Dedicated key worker support
- Welfare advice to maximise household income
- Help to build confidence and skills
- Access to accredited training
- Job search, application and CV writing
- Interview preparation and practice
- Help with clothing, transport and potentially childcare costs
- Ongoing support to help settle into a new job
The support on offer is entirely voluntary and will not pressure someone to take a job or do anything that isn’t for them. Support is available to any parent where the family has low income.
Do you know a Laura or anyone else with children who needs support to progress into work? Why not point them in the direction of the ParentClub website to find out what support is available in their area? It might change their life!
Thanks to Invest in Renfrewshire for supplying the case studies.