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<p>Universal Credit is designed to strengthen incentives for all of our claimants,
including parents, to move into and progress in work, and it is working. There are
now 11.5 million parents in work (a rate of 82.4%), while 67.4% of lone parents are
now in employment.</p><p> </p><p>The Government now provides more support than ever
before to help parents with the costs of childcare, including providing 15 hours a
week of free childcare in England for all 3 and 4 year olds and disadvantaged 2 year
olds, and doubling free childcare available for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds
to 30 hours a week. We have also increased the level of support for childcare costs
within Universal Credit from 70% to 85%, its highest ever level. This gives parents
up to £646.35 per month for one child and £1108.04 per month for two or more children.</p><p>
</p><p>We know that the longer someone is out of the jobs market, the harder it can
be to return when they are ready. That is why, unlike legacy means-tested benefits,
Universal Credit does not have a minimum of 16 hours per week to be entitled to the
Universal Credit childcare offer. Instead, it supports the Universal Credit principle
that work pays, regardless of the number of hours worked. Parents will also be helped
to prepare for work when their youngest child is two, and look for work when they
are three. This will give them the best chance of finding a job which fits in with
their caring responsibilities. Work-related requirements are tailored to individual
circumstances and compatible with child care responsibilities. Work coaches can consider
caring responsibilities when setting availability and work search hours. This will
also include work preparation activities.</p>
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