Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, is launching an ambitious new £10.9 million scheme to help unemployed parents into work or training by helping them with childcare costs.
Parents, Childcare and Employment will cover the cost of childcare while parents undertake training to gain the skills they need to get a job.
Backed by Welsh Government and EU funds, the scheme will be delivered across each local authority in Wales and is expected to help 6,400 economically inactive parents, aged over 25, into work or training over the next three years.
Once fully operational, the scheme will employ 43 Parent Employment Advisers. Examples of the support the programme will offer parents include:
- covering the cost of childcare for parents who are attending work experience, education or training
- meeting childcare setting costs for 2–4 weeks before parents start work to help settle children into the childcare setting
- identifying existing childcare provision in the local area – for example, identifying whether families are eligible for the 12.5 free hours of Flying Start childcare
- supplying a free mobile crèche where appropriate
- offering free childcare taster sessions
- establishing childminding hubs in areas where there is a need for such provision.
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said:
“Many parents say the biggest barrier stopping them from undertaking training or getting a job is the cost of childcare.
“We have listened to their concerns and this is why we are launching this scheme today which will help thousands of people achieve their aspirations and escape from poverty.”
Finance Minister, Jane Hutt, added:
“Nearly £2 billion of EU funds is being invested in Wales over the next seven years to help strengthen our economy and labour market. This investment from the EU and Welsh Government will help remove the barriers that make it hard for people to enter work and training, and will improve people’s career prospects and contribute to Wales’ prosperity.”
The Welsh Government has worked with the Department of Work and Pensions to develop the programme, who have responsibility for employing the 43 Parent Employment Advisers.
The scheme will be rolled for economically inactive parents aged between 16 and 24 later this year.
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