5 ways mums and dads can get help into work

 

We all want the best for our kids and to give them the best start in life.

It's good for children to see their mum or dad going out to work, but it can be tough for parents that are having to balance those family commitments.

Here are 5 ways you can get help moving back into the work place:

So you've decided you want get a job but are worried about how to fit it in with your family commitments?

Your work coach at your local Jobcentre will give you personalised help to find work that fits in with your circumstances and childcare responsibilities.

That can include support with job search, interview techniques and training, or helping you to overcome other barriers that might make finding a job more difficult.

Taking on temporary or part-time work often leads to a more permanent position.

Working just a few hours a week helps you gain vital experience, gives you confidence and boosts your CV.

Universal Credit, which is in every jobcentre and is rolling out to families across country, is more flexible and makes it easier for jobseekers to take on a few hours' work or a temporary job.

Your Jobcentre Plus work coach can continue to offer you personalised support after you have moved into work under Universal Credit.

We are also looking at ways in which they can give you even more practical help to increase your earnings and fulfil your potential.

This might range from discussions about career progression and supporting you to have conversations with your employer, to signposting to relevant training and helping with job searches.

All children should have the best start in life and that's why we’re helping working families with their childcare costs.

Mums and dads who are in low-paid work and claiming Universal Credit can also claim up to 85% of their eligible childcare costs back.

For families with two children that could be worth up to £13,000 a year.

Good quality childcare is vital for working families and that's why if you are in work and are eligible, and you have a 3 or 4-year-old, the free childcare you are entitled to will double to 30 hours from autumn 2017.

From early next year, the Government is going even further with its childcare offer for working parents.

In 2018, Tax-Free Childcare will help support working parents with their childcare costs through a new online account.

For every 80p you or someone else pays in, the Government will top it up by 20p.Parents will be able to receive up to £2,000 per year for each child up to the age of 12.

Parents will be able to receive up to £2,000 per year for each child up to the age of 12.

Find out about help paying for childcare