What will happen to single parents on UC having to work 16 hours?

[Herecomethehotstepper]

My youngest turned 3 in December and as I am on UC I was required to work 16 hours a week or have my UC payment reduced by over £500 per month.

Up until lockdown I was self employed with my own small business and met the requirements. After lockdown, UC informed me I was no longer expected to work 16 hours and I have been receiving the full monthly payment.

I'm now wondering what will happen when the requirement comes back. My business is on hold for god knows how long as it was an indoor activity involving groups of children together. My children are not back at school, and the 6 week holiday is coming up, so how can I get a part time job? I have no family to provide childcare and their dad is not on the scene. A childminder would charge more per hour for two children than I would earn. What do other single parents do in the holidays when there is no school?

I’ve never been told I had to work 16 hours? I thought that was a child tax credit thing?

Yes, when your youngest is 3 and in nursery you are expected to work 16 hours. That rises to 30 hours once they start school.

Oh that’s weird.

I was more than happy to get back to work to be honest! I purposely started a business that I could take the dc with me so childcare wouldn't be an issue. Now I'm stuck and don't know what to do.

You are referring to the minimum income floor for self employed people. It has been suspended until November I think.

@Babyroobs Yes, that's it. Can you link to any info on it being suspended until November? I've had a Google but can't find any up to date information.