Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what steps she is taking to help tackle discrimination against single parents looking for work.

We are clear that the Equality Act 2010, which provides protection against direct and indirect discrimination across a range of fields, including employment, service provision and housing, already offers some protection for single parents.

Significantly more women than men, and disproportionately more members of particular ethnic groups, have single parent responsibilities. Accordingly, employers in particular must ensure that their rules and practices which may affect single parents do not indirectly discriminate on grounds of sex or race. We continue to keep the effectiveness of the Act under review and are committed to supporting every woman to thrive in her working life.