Plan for jobs

At Belina Grow CIC we welcome the publication of the Work and Pensions Select Committee Inquiry ‘Plan for Jobs’. 

Our CEO Liz Sewell gave oral evidence to the Committee and it is positive that the Committee have listened to our concerns.  We know through our work that disadvantaged mothers do less well in the labour market and back to work services should address their needs.  Our evidence showed the need for support for the short term and longer career goals of parents which will change as their children get older. It is very welcome that the Inquiry is calling for a more person-centred approach including for parents.  It is good that the Inquiry calls for support to be widened out to not just those on benefits.  We support this recommendation and in addition would highlight the need for support for the high number of mothers who are currently economically inactive but who under the spring budget will now be expected to work – many of these mothers have never worked or not worked for many years and need particular tailored supported.

Finally, it is also good that the Committee advocate for greater access to flexible working including part-time work, and their recommendation for a hiring guide for employers.  Access to flexible work that fits in with caring responsibilities is definitely the missing piece of the jigsaw for many of the mothers that we work with.