New survey reveals working families feel their kids get a head start

Seven out of ten working parents think having a job helps set a positive role model for their kids and gives them a good start in life, according to a poll undertaken by Jobcentre Plus with the readership of That’s Life! magazine.

The figures, which come as the school summer holidays get into full swing, also show that eight out of 10 mums surveyed think the main benefits of being in work are having more money to pay the bills and do things as a family.

Although a third of the parents surveyed who don’t work cited having to look after their children as the reason why they don’t have a job, encouragingly, almost three quarters of parents (seven out of 10) felt that it was easy, or easier than expected, to return to work after having children. The majority felt skills learnt during parenthood were valuable in the work place, for example: multitasking, organisation, time-management, problem solving and team working. The survey also revealed that, among other benefits, a third believe their children had a head start in school and had grown in confidence as a result of being in childcare while they were at work.

Life and career coach Honey Langcaster-James, who is also a consultant psychologist, said: “Being in work is known to boost your confidence and self-esteem – it enables you to socialise with like minded people and earn your own income, which can be incredibly rewarding.

“In addition, as the findings of this poll suggest, being in work can benefit your children by setting them a positive role model. These days, employers are aware of the need to be flexible so if you have children, don’t worry, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of work and still spend time together as a family.”

As well as the benefits to their children and to family life, almost seven out of 10 parents report feeling happier in work than out of work and almost eight out of 10 parents claim that being in work makes them feel better about themselves. This may be in part attributable to the fact that over half of parents in work feel able to treat themselves with the money they are earning and have more fun and a social life with their work mates.

Jobcentre Plus lone parent adviser, Helen Leake, advises people to make the most of the help available.

“The results of this poll are encouraging, as many of the obstacles seemingly preventing people returning to work can be easily overcome,” she said. “For example, if you have children and are looking for flexible working arrangements, Jobcentre Plus can help you explore part-time options, job-sharing, and even term-time working, when you are off work during the school holidays.”

If you’re looking for advice on the kind of financial help lone parents could be eligible for if they return to work, Helen Leake has some top tips:

· In Work Credit: This is a tax-free payment of £40 to lone parents (£60 to all parents in London) who have been claiming benefits for a year or more and go back to work for over 16 hours a week. In-work credit is paid for a year on top of other working benefits

1 £250 Job Grant: This is a lump-sum to help during the first weeks of employment. It is available to lone parents who start working for more than 16 hours per week

2 Housing and Council Tax benefit: Lone parents will continue to receive Housing and Council Tax benefits for a month after they start work

3 Childcare costs: One of the biggest worries for lone parents returning to work is childcare. Jobcentre Plus can help with childcare costs as long as the parent is using a registered childcare provider and doing something connected with their chosen career, agreed with Jobcentre Plus. Once working, you may qualify for Working Tax Credit. This could enable you to claim up to 80 per cent of your eligible childcare back.

Jobcentre Plus has put together a free Choices Kit for lone parents thinking about work. It’s packed with advice on job-hunting, childcare and financial help. Order yours by calling 0800 085 5701 or visit www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk .