What does progression under Universal Credit actually mean?

Universal Credit should help parents start work as it makes it easier to take part-time, flexible or temporary jobs to help parents gain valuable skills and avoid CV gaps. Unlike previous benefits, Universal Credit doesn’t stop when a claimant enters work. Instead it stays with claimants as they progress in work and increase their earnings until they are entirely … Continue reading What does progression under Universal Credit actually mean?

New Blog – 30 hours Free Childcare – early adopters announced

Childcare Minister Sam Gyimah has today (2 February 2016) announced £13 million, which will allow a group of councils to deliver 30 hours of free childcare for working parents of 3- and 4-year-olds - a year ahead of schedule. As a result, some working parents in Wigan, Staffordshire, Swindon, Portsmouth, Northumberland, York, Newham and Hertfordshire … Continue reading New Blog – 30 hours Free Childcare – early adopters announced

Will lone parents go back to work earlier? The new requirement to actively seek work.

This is the second in our series of blogs on issues that arose out of our Summer Afternoon Seminar. Lone parents have to actively seek work when their youngest child is five,  and they make up 11% of those on JSA.  The Graph below shows that the majority of parents on JSA have primary school children, … Continue reading Will lone parents go back to work earlier? The new requirement to actively seek work.

WHAT DOES THE QUEEN’S SPEECH MEAN FOR PARENTS ON BENEFIT AND IN EMPLOYMENT?

Two Bills will form the basis of the Government’s work with families on benefits and in work. The first is the Full Employment and Welfare Benefits Bill. The purpose of the Bill is to achieve full employment, by creating 2 million new jobs, 3 million new apprenticeships and ensuring it ‘pays to work’. Key points for families … Continue reading WHAT DOES THE QUEEN’S SPEECH MEAN FOR PARENTS ON BENEFIT AND IN EMPLOYMENT?