Jeff Ennis MP and Usdaw help Working Parents Claim the Benefits they’re due

June 2009

  Local MP Jeff Ennis today gave support to the shop workers’ union Usdaw’s national spotlight day to highlight the benefits due to working parents and to give renewed support to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020. Jeff said:  “Labour have put in place many measures to support working parents.  I want to make sure that local families have all the information they need to claim what they’re due, particularly in these tough economic times. “I am also pleased to give my personal commitment to the pledge to end child poverty by 2020.  The Labour Government’s action in helping parents back into work and giving them practical and financial support will help to lift even more children out of poverty.”

   John Hannett, Usdaw’s General Secretary, is delighted with Jeff’s support: “I know that because of the global recession many Usdaw members are worried about money, as are millions of low-paid families.  Working parents are particularly concerned about their ability to pay the bills, take planned maternity or paternity leave, and the quality of their family life.“That is why we are informing parents about all the benefits and support available to make sure that no family in need misses out on the help they’re entitled to. We are also asking our members to write to their MP to ask them to re-affirm their support for the pledge to end child poverty by 2020.  At a time of recession it is more important than ever to ensure that every child can reach their full potential, so I am particularly pleased that Jeff has given his commitment.”

Usdaw have produced information leaflets for working parents on:

·        Tax credits