Pathways to Work for lone parents

From January 2007 the Department for Employment & Learning has been piloting a new and comprehensive framework of practical and financial help and support to lone parents facing barriers to employment.

This new service is being piloted in Knockbreda, Limavady, Lisburn and Shaftesbury Square Jobs & Benefits offices.

What is available?

• A flexible menu of provision through existing programmes such as NDLP and new programmes such as Steps to Work
• A Work Preparation for Lone Parents Programme aimed at helping you
• Build up your confidence
• Identify and assess your abilities to find a suitable job.
• Find out what kind of work you are suited to.
• Explore new skills or update old ones.
• Try out your readiness for work, in a real working environment.
• Mix and work with others.
• A Return to Work Credit (RTWC) – An additional financial assistance of £40 per week payable when you move into employment of more than 16 hours per week and earn less than £15,000k a year. This allowance is paid for up to 52 weeks.
• An In Work Emergencies Fund (IWEF) - This will provide up to £300 to help meet the cost of emergencies during the first 60 days in employment and overcome barriers that might otherwise make it difficult to remain in work.
• In Work Support - contact with clients, who require it, during the first 60 days of work to ease the transition into work and provide back-up support if problems arise.