New Deal for Lone Parents, what exactly does it entail ??

[YouTellMe]

I have looked on the job centre site and others, but they seem to kind of skirt around what it involves.

I have an appointment at the job centre tommorow so I can ask them, but would rather know before I ask about it, as don't want to comit to it if it's not going to be suitable.

If I agree to go on it, take part, what will they do? Will they push me into any old job ?

Just popping for a bath, so will read replies in a bit, if there are any LOL.

No one knows anything about this ?

Hi love hope you enjoyed your bath.

I'm not too up on New Deal but don't worry - the advisors are there to help and to provide information so you can make your mind up what's suitable for your circumstances - you won't find yourself signing up to something you're not comfortable with.

However the times may be a'changing - have a look at my thread I posted yesterday after a rather surprising visit to my Lone Parent Advisor.

Yeah I read that. Tbh I agree with the age 12 thing, but not so sure about the age 7 rule.

With new deal though, how do they help you to find work ?? I have been looking myself and applying for stuff for over a year and got nowhere.

Can they training in a workplace or anything like that ??

That was helpful by the way sleepcat

My lone parent advisor was really helpful. I had a job offer and went in to find out if i would be better off by accepting it. She worked out all the figures and told me what i get on benefits and what i'd end up with working. Also explained about child care costs and what i'd get towards them and how to find provision. Helped me with a grant towards work clothes, getting my haircut etc.

I don't know what they do in terms of helping you find a job though. Mine advisor was based at the job centre so I think they'd probably give you the same kind of help as anyone else looking for work. There's lots of jobs advertised there, but it does really depend what kind of work you want and the kind of hours you're looking for as to where is the best place to look. Sometimes cold calling can be the best way.

Gilly

I thought the new deal thing was actually some sort of scheme though ? Perhaps I am misunderstanding it.

It's called the new deal but it's been around a while now.

And it is kind of a scheme i suppose. The scheme is them telling you what they can do for you should you decide to return to work, and how much better off you will(or possibly won't) be.

For example, you get to keep some of your benefits for an extra couple of weeks after you start working, so your weekly benefit doesn't suddenly stop but you don't get paid for a month which could leave you with no money for that time.

And you get WTC and CTC if you work more than 16 hours a week on average.

Plus up to 80% of your child care costs paid.

Plus if you have been out of work for some time you may be entitled to a grant to help you back to work for things such as work clothes when you do accept a job.

So it's a bundle of things they can help with and they're there to talk you through it all and crunch the numbers to see if it's worth it for you and your situation.

I found it very helpful and my lone parent advisor was a lone parent herself who had returned to work after being a SAHM too, so she knew what it was like.

Gilly

Ahhh right I see.

Ok, I will definatly ask about it tommorow, and see what happens.

Thanks

NDLP a non-compulsory system that enables lone parents to have more in-depth contact with their personal adviser. If you are looking for a job it is a good idea to be on a NDLP caseload as your adviser looks for jobs that will suit you and will help with working out if you would be better off in work. I usually see my caseload customers evry 2-3 weeks (at their convenience). It helps the adviser as they get to know you and what your circumstances are, so they can tailor their advice. Your travel costs are paid, too.

I'm interested in this, but don't see another adviser until the end of the week. Do you have to have been out of work for at least a year or anything like that to get on New Deal? Or is it open to any lone parent looking for work?

I love sleep, All lone parents can join NDLP at any time and can leave at any time.