§ 19. Ms KeebleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what impact the New Deal has had on training for employment of lone parents. [152568]
§ Ms HodgeSince the New Deal for Lone Parents was introduced over 22,000 lone parents have benefited from help with training to improve their prospects of getting a job. Trained personal advisers can help find suitable work-related training that supports the work goals of the individual and takes into account their child care responsibilities. Lone parents also receive financial support to cover the costs. From April this year we will introduce a £15 weekly training premium on top of the existing help. And as we announced in the Budget, we will also introduce a self-employment option for lone parents similar to that which is available through the New Deal for 25 plus. We will also introduce greater flexibility to enable lone parents to take a wider range of intensive short work-focused courses.