No job to go back to after maternity leave finished

[FuzzzyDuckosaurus]

I'm due to finish my maternity leave in 2 weeks time but I have no job to go back to. I got MA as I hadn't worked enough before finishing so parted way with work when I finished up to have baby. I've been looking for jobs in my relevant area but there is nothing. I've applied for a few but not heard back. I'm a single parent so really having to juggle childcare with work and it's not looking good.
What happens next? I've just had my final MA payment and really stressing as to the fact I now have no money coming in! I receive tax credits and child benifit but that's all. If I go to job centre will they tell me to take first job that comes up regardless?!
Any advice is welcome!!

No they won't tell you to take the first job if you are a lone parent. You will be eligible for income support, as long as you have savings of less than 6k. You could probably get housing benefit as well as long as you are renting not mortgaged.

If you are on income support the job centre will want to see you for a job focused interview every six months. They can also advise on training or education opportunities.

I was in your position, single parent, my business went bust when I was 6 months pregnant, I ended up selling my flat etc. I have decided to go to university to retrain.

Hope you find something soon, and don't forget you can claim for help with childcare costs through tax credits.

Thank you very much!! I have mortgage on my house so not much I can do there. Will enquire about IS. Sorry to hear the rough time you had. Not much fun when maternity leave draws to a close