Margaret Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, responding to a study showing that single parents are being “unfairly blocked” in their careers by barriers including childcare costs and working in low paid jobs, said:

“The Conservatives have shocking disregard for the needs of children and the talents of their parents. They cannot be trusted to tackle poverty and inequality.

“It is wholly unacceptable that half of single parent families live in poverty and it makes no sense to leave single parents trapped on low incomes.

“Labour will bring about real change by giving all workers the right to flexible working from day one, introduce free childcare for all 2 – 4-year-olds, end zero hour contracts and introduce a minimum wage of at least £10 an hour for all workers aged 16 and over.”

Ends

Notes to Editors: