Single mums must look for work or face losing benefits That is why, rather than being trapped on benefits, lone parents with younger children will now have additional access to the help and support they need to move closer to employment. Should single mothers lose their right to benefits if they do not get a job when their children start school? Official figures suggest children are fives time more likely to be poor if they are cared for by a single parent who does not work. Around two million children in Britain are growing up in households where neither of their parents goes to work. The Department for Work and Pensions said job centres would offer training, childcare advice and help with finding part-time opportunities. But charities have complained that the changes are coming in too quickly, arguing thousands of single parents are "collateral damage in rushed out welfare reforms." The Government only notified 124,000 people that they could potentially be affected in March this year, giving around eight weeks" notice. Fiona Weir, chief executive of Gingerbread, a charity for single parents, said the changes would stop many from completing further education courses. "Thousands of single parents have lost the chance to plan ahead and skill up to improve their chances of getting a decent job," she said. Without qualifications they risk remaining trapped in a cycle of low-paid work and unemployment benefits. The Government needs to take a longer term approach and allow single parents starting further education training to complete their course before seeking a job. The vast majority of those affected are women, as single mothers make up 92 per cent of people looking after a child alone. Ministers said lone parents on jobless benefits will not be forced to take up work if they cannot find childcare. They will still be able to receive income support if they are fostering or their child is disabled.