20 July 2009 – School gate help for working mums

Extra help to mums who lose their jobs in the recession was announced today in a move to help end child poverty.

Ministers are concerned to make sure parents who lose part time work as a result of the global credit crunch also get the help they need to get back into work. Many parents whose partners are still in work are not taking up the support that is available at Jobcentre Plus including advice, free training or help to start up their own business. Yet second earners income can be vital for the family to help pay the mortgage or keep children out of poverty. The Government is therefore announcing a £10m package of community based support, available in settings that families are aware of and feel comfortable in. This support will be provided in settings, such as local schools which mothers use as part of their daily lives.

The £10m pilot scheme will target the 25 most deprived local authorities. The schemes will provide employment support at local schools, bring work trials and childcare support into the community and provide a package of support for parents who want to be become self-employed. Helping parents back into work is important and has a profound effect on child poverty.

The Government also want to make sure that mums who have taken a break to raise their families get the support they need to get back to work once their children are older.

Speaking at the second reading of the Child Poverty Bill, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper said;

"Every child should get a fair start in life, every child should have the chance to get on, to develop their potential, to chase their dreams. We believe in equality of opportunity for children as they grow. Children get left behind for years to come if their family gets left behind today.

"Over a hundred thousand children could be lifted out of poverty if more second parents were able to work as their children get older. That is why it is so important to provide the help and support for parents who lose their jobs too."

Today's announcement comes in addition to the £5 billion investment behind the current help available - especially to people out of work for more than 6 months - such as training, work trials and experience, support to become self employed or £1,000 voucher to employers.

Today is the second reading of the Child Poverty Bill. The Bill establishes a duty to eradicate child poverty by 2020, and ensure future governments to stick to that commitment.

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