Pathways to Work for Lone Parents pilot project

Pathways to Work for Lone Parents pilot projectThe Department for Employment & Learning has launched an innovative new pilot aimed at helping and supporting lone parents engage in the world of work.  Pathways to Work for Lone Parents is a comprehensive package of practical and financial help and support for lone parents facing barriers to employment.

The new service is being tested in Knockbreda, Limavady, Lisburn and Shaftesbury Square Jobs & Benefits offices since January 2007 and if you are a lone parent who is unemployed and facing any obstacle towards progression in training or work and you live in one of these four areas, Pathways to Work can help you.

What is available?

If you volunteer to participate in the Pathways to Work for Lone Parents Pilot you can access

  • 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) – The Return to Work Credit is a tax free payment of £40 a week paid directly to you on top of your wages for 52 weeks if you return to work for 16 hours or more a week and earn less than £15,000 a year. It will not affect any amount you are paid for Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit or National Insurance contributions.
  • 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.

For further information on what Pathways to Work for Lone Parents can do for you then please contact

Knockbreda Jobs & Benefits Office

Crown Buildings
Upper Knockbreda Road
BELFAST
BT8 8SY
Telephone: 02890 545600
FAX: 02890 545620
E-mail: Knockbreda.jc@delni.gov.uk external link

Limavady Jobs & Benefits Office

9 Connell Street
Limavady
BT49 0DU
Telephone: 028 7776 0500
FAX: 028 7776 0555
E-mail: Limavady.jc@delni.gov.uk external link

Lisburn Jobs & Benefits Office

71 Bow Street
Lisburn
BT28 1BJ
Telephone: 028 9262 3300
FAX: 028 9262 3401
E-mail: Lisburn.jc@delni.gov.uk external link

Shaftesbury Square Jobs & Benefits Office

Conor Building
107 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7AG
Telephone: 028 9054 5500
FAX: 028 9054 5437
E-mail: Southbelfast.jc@delni.gov.uk external link
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