Don’cha just love the concept of ‘choice’? It means a whole multitude of different things to different people. And NL’s understanding of ‘choice’ in regards to lone parents getting a job cos it’s all about ‘real choice about their future’. The rules came into force yesterday, which means more conditionality and sanctions for lone parents.
These changes will help lone parents, who can work, get closer to the labour market, opening up a range of opportunities to get training and skills. Specialist lone parent employment advisers will help lone parents prepare for work by building their skills and confidence, as well as offering practical help with CV training and finding appropriate childcare. This will give lone parents real choice about their future. At a time when we face global economic challenges, it’s essential that we give people more not less opportunity to find work and support themselves and their families.
So says Work and Pensions Minister Kitty Ussher. Again, the magic word ‘choice’ is thrown in. But lets not pretend that it’s about ‘choice’ and being on the terms of lone parents. This is about foisting a pernicious regime of sanctions and penalties onto people. Where is the choice in that?
Posted by harpymarx 
