High success rate for getting parents off income support

Thursday 06 October 2016

Social Security bosses are delighted with a 70% success rate in getting parents back to work.

Figures released yesterday show that 70% of parents who were required to start looking for part-time work in September 2015, because their youngest child started school or nursery, are now employed.

These parents, who were receiving Income Support are now back in work having been supported by the States’ 'Back to Work' team. This unit have helped with specialist training, courses and mentoring, all in a bid to help them find suitable employment.  

Deputy Graham Truscott, Social Security Assistant Minister, said: “I’m delighted with this success.  Nearly 120 of the 170 parents who started looking for employment with Back to Work last September have found jobs, and have become less reliant on Income Support as a result.  These parents have been able to learn new skills, or refresh old ones and through our employment advisors, many have also been introduced to the wide range of general services available to help parents throughout the Island.”

For parents, 'Back to Work' offers flexible training sessions which fit within school and nursery hours and employment advisors are trained to assist with the specific issues faced by parents returning to the workplace. These include advising on childcare practicalities, identifying skills gaps and considering any personal development required, such as motivation, confidence or goal setting.

Deputy Truscott said: “For September 2016, we are expecting to again see a rise in the unemployment figures as the 'Back to Work' team has engaged with a new group of parents.  Over the past few weeks, we have met 129 parents whose children are starting nursery this year because they are turning four. They have been able to stay at home while their child was young however, as they receive Income Support, we now expect them to look for part-time work of 15 hours per week.

"In addition, there are 48 parents who have been added to the unemployment register and we are supporting them to increase their hours now that their child is older. We hope that the success of last year’s parents provides inspiration, confidence and ideas to help them find suitable employment. I would also like to remind local employers that there is a wealth of new people on the job market today, particularly suitable for roles which are part-time or flexible.”