Impossible to find job

I recently heard about Mr Cameron's idea to get single mums into work while the kids are at school. He really didn't think about this idea, did he?

I have been looking for a school-hours job for the last two or three years.

I have asked agencies, shops, everything. I even tried cleaning, but there are just no flexible jobs available. The local Jobcentre staff laughed when I told them what I was after.

I have been offered loads but can't accept them because they won't change my hours in the school holidays. Yet if I was a single mum I could get free child care vouchers, lower rent, lower council tax, etc.

All I want is to be able to contribute to what my husband earns. I don't want to be a lazy mum who just spends the day shopping and watching daytime TV. I want a chance to pay my way. It's not fair for my husband to work such long hours.

I am writing to ask for help from anyone who owns a business. I can do 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday term time and 6pm to 10pm during the holidays. I don't even mind unpaid leave. I have internet access and a printer etc, so I could work from home.

I sent a letter to the Conservative party, only to be told that if I do vote for them they will change the system to benefit working families. But we have heard it all before, it's just tax after tax.

Of course, I could always leave my lovely husband, claim single parent benefits and get free childcare, free school meals, rent, council tax, or if that fails get pregnant again and get a £500 maternity grant. What is this country coming to?

Mrs A Stokes

Dawley