Why is it that the government are going to force single parents to find work?

Question

While at the same time they want migrant workers who are working in the U K illegally to report any bullying or abuse they get at work

Answer 1

Some of us single parents work anyway! Not all of us are council house dwelling, benefit cheating individuals y'know!

Answer 2

I don't think its right that single parents should be forced to find work until their youngest is 16 as children need the constant support of at least one parent until that age. Fathers should be forced to pay for their offspring and maybe then they will take more responsibility for their own fertility rather than leave it to their female partners. As regards to migrant workers working here illegally, it is the governments fault that they have to resort to this and we don't get taxes. If an amnesty was called and the migrant workers were regulated, a) they would not suffer such abuse and b) they would contribute to taxes that would look after single mums who are trying to do their best to raise offspring often in very difficult circumstances.

Answer 3

Firstly Patrick C.(above) certainly can't understand the problem if he's under the impression that single parents actually choose to be so. If anything they are the responsible parent who saves society having to bear an even greater burden.
Having said that I would agree that the government should look at helping to change the mindset of some single parents to give them the confidence to go forward but that should not include forcing them into the job market only helping them in that direction.
I think I can speak with a certain amount of authority on the subject as I've raised two lots of children on my own and before people wonder, yes I have worked throughout and still do.

Answer 4

The majority, around 75 %, of single parents with school age children actually do work! The government wants to target those that do not. I think if your child is at school there is no reason why should ot try and find work, at least during school hours . If they do not have the necessary skills and education then the government should support these parents gain new skills. I think it would be totally wrong for the government to withdraw benefits from lone parents as the children will suffer. The government should also invest in making sure childcare is at a high standard, and affordable, and that there are plenty of childcare spaces available.

Most single parents want to have a good job and provide for their families themselves and not rely on government handouts and it is good for children to watch their parent(s) so out to work so they learn work ethics not benefit culture.

Answer 5

It's all because Blairs' Britain now has full employment (Ho Ho). Well there must be if we need several million workers from other countries to jobs that "British don't want". Even that isn't enough if we now need single parents to abandon their teenage kids and get back to work to keep the country running.

What happens when these same teenagers are left totally unsupervised every afternoon when Mum/Dad is at work?
You just know that some of them are going to be up to no good. Then the government will blame the parents for not supervising their kids better.

It's all soundbites and spin!

Answer 6

If you choose to be a single parent and the other parent does not pay for your and the child's keep, why on earth should I? The other part of your question only goes to show there is work out there ( IF you want it )
To bob kerr. Of course there is a choise.....have you never heard of contraception...or even abstinance? If people elect not to use contraception and subsequently have children, then why should I be financially liable? Please explain.
PS. It is good to hear that you have worked while rearing your children.

Answer 7

majority of single parents work...its the slapper minority that dont, they think kids r fashion acssessories and the easy route to money and a house. im married with children and i often wonder y singles cant work, after all the government provide 15 hours a week childcare, and part time is better than no time.

Answer 8

Married couples are forced to work to make ends meet so why should single parents expect the overburdened tax payer to do this for them?

Answer 9

Because the government enjoy making things difficult for their voters.
You forgot to add that they are constantly introducing laws which makes it harder for people to set up youth clubs, after-school clubs, etc so single parents have nowhere for their kids to go.

Answer 10

One problem will be the do gooders saying that you cant force single parents to leave their 11 year olds hile they go to work.

IF and WHEN they are made to go out and leave their kids to be "latch door key kids" then society will suffer due to them turning into undisciplined little brats that commit crime etc, then what? .....Lock up the parents for leaving little "Johnny" to his own devices...?? Get real, SACK the government for being bumbling bureaucrats, with little idea.