Lone parents looking for information about returning to work are invited to a coffee morning being held by Musselburgh Jobcentre Plus on Tuesday 23 January at Haddington Town House, Market Street, Haddington between 10:00am and 12noon.

The event is being organised to help lone parents obtain information about the help and support available to help them return to work.  This includes advice on the practical support available from Jobcentre Plus lone parent advisers, and advice about being better off in work, job searches, tax credits as well as training and support groups.

Advisers will also be able to tell people about the financial incentives available for lone parents. These include the Work Search Premium of £20 per week, payable for up to six months whilst looking for work over 16 hours a week, and In Work Credit which offers lone parents the opportunity to claim £40 per week paid in addition to wages and tax credits for up to one year.

Other organisations available on the day to offer advice will include East Lothian Childcare Choices, One Parent Families Scotland, Lauder College and Careers Scotland. 

Elaine Brown, adviser manager from Musselburgh Jobcentre Plus, said: “Because of their childcare commitments, it can often be difficult for lone parents to think about returning to work. Many don’t realise what kind of support is available to them. The coffee morning is a great opportunity for lone parents to come along and have a chat with one of our experienced advisers about the support, training and job options open to them.”

Anyone requiring further information about the event, or who is unable to attend but would like to find out more, should contact Musselburgh Jobcentre Plus office on: 0131 456 5105/07.

Information on all current jobs is available from Jobseeker Direct on 0845 60 60 234 or by using the job search facility on this website.

Notes to Editors

For information please contact:

For local information: John Scott, district marketing manager for Jobcentre Plus in Edinburgh, Lothian & Borders
Telephone: 0131  555 8069 Email: john.scott3@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk

For information about the press release contact: Laura Watters, Pagoda Public Relations
Telephone: 0131 566 0770  Email: laura.watters@pagodapr.com

For all other media enquiries: Samantha O‘Kane, Department for Work and Pensions press office Scotland
Telephone: 0131 222 5227 Email: regional-press-office-scotland@dwp.gsi.gov.uk