As single mothers in the UK, we face significant challenges—financial instability, career setbacks, and a lack of support from the legal system. These issues are exacerbated when mothers are the sole provider both physically and financially. Despite our efforts to balance work and childcare, the current system places us at a disadvantage, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and discrimination.

Single mothers are more likely to live in poverty than any other group, often working multiple jobs to provide for their children while sacrificing career progression and personal well-being. This is compounded by the lack of financial support via the non-residential parent, leaving single mothers reliant on state benefits, and unfairly burdened with all caregiving responsibilities.

The Facts:

• Single mothers are responsible for 89% of single-parent households in the UK.

• Almost 40% of single-parent families live below the poverty line.

• Single mothers are twice as likely as fathers to consider quitting their jobs due to childcare responsibilities.

• Women in single-parent households experience significant pension disparities, putting them at risk of financial insecurity in later life.

Despite these challenges, the current legal and financial systems fail to provide adequate support or protections. Single mothers are often forced to cut back on work hours, sacrifice career advancement, and face financial hardship while fathers who abandon their responsibilities face few consequences.

Our Demands:

1. Stronger Legal Protections for single mothers, ensuring fair financial contributions from non-residential parents.

2. Increased Childcare Support: Introducing tax relief and subsidies to reduce the financial burden on working mothers.

3. Career Development Opportunities: Implement policies that support single mothers in the workforce, including flexible working arrangements and paid parental leave for both parents.

4. Pension Reforms: Adjusting the pension system to address the financial disparities faced by single mothers, including matching employer contributions and offering tax breaks.

5. Stricter Enforcement of Child Support Payments: Holding non-residential parents accountable for child support, with harsher penalties for those who evade their responsibilities.

We, the undersigned, call on the UK Government and the Scottish Government to take immediate action to address these critical issues and create a more equitable and just system for single mothers and their children. We deserve the same opportunities as our male counterparts, with access to fair financial support, career advancement, and protection from poverty.

Together, we can ensure that single mothers are given the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve.