Support For Single Parents To Return To Work

A recently published One News Colmar Brunton poll showed strong support for moves to get solo mothers back into the workforce.

According to Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB, "Almost a third of those polled believed mothers with children under five should be encouraged to work; over two thirds supported the idea when children reach school-age and a large majority, 89 percent, by the time the youngest turns 15."

"While I am very much encouraged by these results, I believe if people had more information the percentages would rise further. For instance, those who think a single mum on the DPB should be at home for at least the first five years of a child's life should consider the following ;

- single mothers who go onto the DPB at the birth of a child (as opposed to after a separation) tend to stay on it for longer. The most vulnerable children are those on welfare long-term.

- these same mothers often go on to become 'career' DPB mums. Even with a clear expectation they go to work when their youngest turns five or six they can avoid that eventuality by adding to their family.

- mothers who have most recently been in the workforce are often the most employable. Taking five or more years out, relying on a benefit, can provide a significant barrier to returning to work.

- US studies have shown pre-schoolers from welfare homes where dysfunction or depression are present, make better social and educational progress in good quality, structured and safe childcare environments."

"Ultimately, I believe that whether mums work or stay home with their children is entirely their decision except when that decision relies on somebody else funding it. It is no longer good enough for people to decide to live indefinitely at the expense of others. That attitude doesn't help them and it doesn't help their children."

"This Colmar Brunton Poll result shows a growing consensus about changing the way we look at welfare, particularly where children are involved."

Lindsay Mitchell petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB forms available from http://www.liberalvalues.org.nz contact dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz ph/fx 04 562 7944

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