Stress, Depression Haunt Single Mothers When They Return To Work

Single mothers face stress, depression and financial insecurity when they return to work, a British report has found.

Commissioned by the Government, the study for the Department for Work and Pensions undermines its own controversial plans to force single mothers to prepare for work when their children are very young, reports the Independent.

Under a White Paper unveiled this month by the Work and Pensions Secretary, James Purnell, mothers would be told to look for work when their youngest child reaches the age of one.

The report, 'Work and Well-being Over Time: Lone Mothers and Their Children', is the third part of a major long-term research which was based on interviews with mothers who return to work.

The research found that half of mothers felt financially insecure after coming off income support and starting a job.

Also, kids had to play a greater role in household chores and looking after younger siblings, while many mothers reported a lack of affordable and appropriate childcare.

Kate Bell, head of policy for One Parent Families, said: "Most single parents want to be in employment, but they are very concerned that it needs to be their choice because of the difficulties raised in this report."

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Source-ANI
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