Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to introduce specialist Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches with expertise on supporting single parents.

Our Jobcentre teams are committed to delivering a quality service to ensure all claimants, including single parents, receive the best possible support that takes account of their individual circumstances. There are no current plans to introduce specialist Work Coaches for single parents.

Work Coaches undergo a comprehensive learning journey designed to equip them with the tools, skills and behaviours required to provide a high quality, efficient service to all claimants. They receive on-going learning in their roles and have access to guidance which is refreshed at regular intervals. We are however continuously reviewing the service claimants receive to ensure that it is responsive to their needs. In relation to a core need of parents seeking to work or work more, we have established networks of childcare champions and childcare subject matter experts who are upskilling our teams to be able to promote the Universal Credit childcare offer and explain how it fits with other relevant help with childcare.