There are around 7,000 single parents - mostly mothers - on benefits and around 1,200 others who are employed, ETC Chairman Clyde Caruana said today. Mr Caruana was addressing a press conference with Education Minister Evarist Bartolo at the Bulebel Industrial Estate.
Mr Bartolo and Mr Caruana explained the various budget measures aimed at encouraging single parents to work and keeping youths from going on the dole.
The 1,200 single parents who are employed will start receiving the in-work benefit, which was announced in last Monday's budget speech. The benefit seeks to widen the gap between the minimum wage and social benefits, discouraging people from relying on the latter. The in-work benefit, which will also be given to low-income families, will be given in the form of a yearly allowance per child. This will be separate from the Children's Allowance, which will not be forfeited.
The unemployed single parents who are over the age of 23 are also being encouraged to work by having their benefits tapered off over three years. Once the three-year period is up they will also be eligible to receive the in-work benefit.
To discourage young people from relying on benefits, new claimants for benefits under the age of 23 will be placed on the Youth Guarantee. Existing claimants will be given a four-month time window to enter the Youth Guarantee. Single mothers are included but are exempted until their youngest child is one year old. Those who refuse to attend training will lose their benefits.
The ETC Chairman explained that in 2015 there will be 700 Traineeships and 200 Work Trials under the Youth Guarantee. These will cost around €2 million and will be financed through the European Social Fund. When asked if the training will be provided during times when childcare facilities are open, Mr Caruana said the ETC will be reviewing its work practices in line with people's needs.
The Education Minister urged unemployed single mothers who rely on benefits to find work in order to set an example for their children. He said the budget included many innovative and courageous measures that ensure economic growth and social justice. "We want our youths to study and work and not rely on benefits from a very young age. We want to give them training and job opportunities."
The budget also aims to help persons with disabilities enter the workforce. Mr Bartolo referred to the budget measure that will enforce a 1967 law that stipulates a 2% quota. Employers who do not meet this quota will have to pay a contribution of €2,400 per person short of the quota up to a maximum of €10,000. The contributions will go into a fund to help persons with disabilities. The continuation of free childcare is also aimed to encouraging people to work.
The ETC Chairman said 60% of the measures included in the National Work Policy are being implemented in this budget.