Sole parent slaves

Forcing sole parents to work is a back to the nineties policy that is doomed to fail.

Incentives are a better means to encourage parents back to work (or I should say to change the focus of their work for parenting especially sole parenting is a full time vocation)

John Key is threatening to cut the DPB for those who won't comply so what does this mean?

1. Sole parents will feel marginalised and victimised, they will be regarded as an imposition on the state - when we should be giving every thing we can to help these parents raise there kids well. The work that parents do is the most important work in society.
2. Some mothers will do as John Key says and "breed for business" when faced with the option of having to work 15 hours for little reward some mothers will opt to fall pregnant again once their youngest approaches 6. Not ideal for mum, kids or the state.
3. Let's do the maths as well. Say a sole parents works 15 hours at $15 an hour (Most will be on or near minimum wage) They will gross $225 extra a week. That will be taxed at say 19% leaving $182.25. Now the Ngats generously allow $100 to be earned before DPB is affected, depending on the adjustment rate after the $100 threshold the sole parent will not pocket much for their endeavours. It is likley that the $225 earned will be give a net gain of $81 for the parents (under $6/hr while the government will gained $144. (Does that sound fair?)
4. I note employers and manufacturers are happy. A fresh supply of slaves to work in retail outlets and sweatshops. Thus keeping wages low for all unskilled workers.
5. The stick approach will breed resentment and a culture of defiance - with people forced to work the system just to survive
6. Part time work is seldom well paid, sole parents will have to take jobs that allow them time off for school holidays and sick kids.
7. By making sole parents work, we will loose a significant source of voluntary sector work. Within schools, sole parents often help out with school trips, school road patrols, assist with in class activities, coach sport, work for the PTA or BOT. Sole parents are also contributing to other groups within the community. Sole parents contribute significantly not only to the well being of their own children but to the wider community. We risk loosing this if we force them to take up paid work or training.
8. There is a more basic inequity here as well. Wealthy parent couples have the option of one being a full time parent. (which I understand is Ms Keys role at present) This is recognised by those parents and a good many people besides to be a good thing for the children - yet the Ngats policy will make this impossible for sole parents.
9. This policy will lead to more children being left unsupervised after-school as childcare provision and work hours and transport options do not fit neatly within school hours.
10. Sole parents will experience stress and stress related illness as they have pressure put on them to return to work.