PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Security Benefits: Lone Parents (17 May 2021)

The Secretary of State has not made a specific assessment on the merits of exempting or limiting lone parents from work-related conditionality. For those lone parents receiving Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit there are specific flexibilities to help them balance their caring responsibilities with work search and availability requirements.

Work Coaches have the ability to tailor the frequency and type of face-to-face support they offer to the needs of each lone parent/lead carer and have the discretion to require parents to undertake work-related activity in cases where they feel this will move them closer to the labour market. Additional safeguards apply where the youngest child in the claim is 3 or 4. Those expected to look for work may also limit the time they can spend travelling to and from work and have additional time to attend an interview or take up work so they can make childcare arrangements.