Evidence library

The welfare system in the UK for single parents with older children has begun to change. Parents are being asked to seek paid work and take up a job that is offered, rather than being able to choose to parent full-time if that is what they feel is best. This research takes a qualitative approach to understanding the experience of some of the first parents to experience these changes. The project followed thirty-four single parents with a youngest child aged twelve or over as they moved from Income Support to Job Seekers Allowance (or other benefits) or into work, interviewing them before and after the transition.