§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the Labour force in part-time employment were in receipt of family income supplement at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. ScottI have been asked to reply.
Part-time work is defined, in the employment statistics, as 30 hours a week or less. Family income supplement was normally available only to those working at least 30 hours a week. However, single parents could claim FIS if working not fewer than 24 hours a week. It is estimated that in March 1986 (the latest date for which information is available) single parents working 24 to 29 hours a week and receiving FIS represented under 1 per cent. of all employees working 30 hours a week or fewer (including those working fewer than 24 hours).