do i HAVE to go back to work? (on my own with twins)?

Question

hello
well i have 2 and a half year old twins and recently split from their dad.
i have had a letter from the jobcentre asking me to go for a back to work interview but the thing is i dont want a job til they have turned 3 cos i said i would stay at home with them for the first few years.
what shall i say to jobcentre? im scared they will try and force me into getting a job!
is there an age limit to your children and when u have to get a job? i heard u were free to stay at home with any kids u had until they are 5.
does anyone know where i stand and wot is the truth?
by the way im not a bum, they are hard work and im planning to goto uni nxt year!
many thanks xx.

Answer 1

No you dont, what you could do is knock a couple more out, then when they are born and you get another return to work letter, just knock somemore out, all the time scrounging of the state. If this is not your idea of life then yes go back to work, earn a living, yes it may be hard. Why are you planning to go to uni next year? why not this year? how are you going to manage when you go to uni? go get a job a bit of self respect,

Answer 2

Hey Hun twins is hard work i know !
I had to have one of these interviews also these people are there to help and advise you , and yes you will have to go back to work i had to when the twins both got to school age, its only right you should have to support the children BUT so should the daddy and why some of these people are having a go at you on here is beyond me !
I worked part time but then my twin son was diagnosed with severe autism, and i am now only getting a few hours sleep most nights, i explained all this to the job centre and they were really supportive and told me when my twin son is older i could work again xx good luck Hun

Answer 3

Ask yourself… What do you want out of life? Do you want to own your home? To be happy? To have financial freedom and not have to depend on any man….or on anyone?

Children learn by example and watching the lives of people they interact with the most. What are you teaching your children if you do not show them you take responsibility for your own life?
Why work? Your answer should be because you are a responsible adult. You have responsibilities.

Honesty… integrity… moral character. Do you have any of these qualities? Then don’t go to a job interview and lie.

As a single parent – I raised my child work 2 and three jobs at one time and earned a Bachelors Degree.

How do you find time to spend with your children and work a full time job? Look at your life and write down what you do each day. What can you eliminate? Sell the T.V. Turn off the phone and get off the Internet. You will find the time you want to share with your children.
Be responsible and empower yourself.

Answer 4

The letter you have received is a stock letter they send out periodically to people.I am 3 months off my pension and am on disablement benefits and I got a similar thing.Do not worry no-one will try to force you into a job.Go to the interview and explain your situation and plans--whey may be able to advise you on the benefits you may be eligible for when you go yo uni.It is only when your children reach senior school age that the authorities will expect you to work.You look after your children---at the moment and for a long time to come no one will push you into doing the impossible.

Answer 5

I know it's hard and you don't want to leave your babies.
I feel exactly the same.

I am really sorry that you are alone with no support at home from their father.

Can you not get a part-time job and leave the twins with a grandparent?

Maybe get a job somewhere where they have a creche?

Good luck in bringing them up. Make sure you do the best you can for them. They are all that matters in this world.

Answer 6

Go to the interview explain you are no longer with the childrens father as by law the goverment say you dont have to work until the children are 5 and in full time education I had this problem a couple of years ago..Good luck and enjoy your children...

Answer 7

Because your kids are still very young the Jobcentre will not force you to go back to work. You will however by law be required to attend the interview. At the interview they will focus on giving you advice for going back to work when your children are older. Also because you are planning to go to uni they will not pressure you to go on some of their back to work schemes ie; basic college courses.

Answer 8

You are free to stay at home with your children for as long as you wish providing there is someone bringing in the income. You don't have that luxury now that you and your husband have split. Unfortunately, you have to get a job. Otherwise, the father could take custody for the sole reason that you refuse to provide. I wish I could stay home and raise my children, but I can't. I have to work to provide a good home for them. Thank you and may GOD bless.

Answer 9

well if you have little experience work wise you will not get paid well, if you can prove this they can see that you are better off on benefits.
However do you really want to stay on it, may i suggest you be positive about it and see what they can offer in regards to incentives and child care facilities, more and more companies hae facilties inhouse for daycare.

Answer 10

who is going to provide money for them for food, clothes, medicine , etc.

you probably need to face reality and realize most people would rather stay home with their children and not work- however in reality they have to work to provide income for their children. buck up and start looking for a good daycare which your ex will have to help you pay for while you both work.