Jobs agency gets behind lone parents

A SINGLE mother who found herself unable to get back into the job market is now helping other parents in the same position.

Meadows mum Annabel Latto found she was unable to secure the posts her would-be employers so desperately wanted her to have.

As a result, the 33-year-old has set up the country's first jobs agency for parents who need flexible or part-time work.

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It means men and women who are new to parenthood across the Lothians will be able to see what jobs are available which will fit their complex schedules.

Deals have already been struck with a number of public and private sector organisations, and Ms Latto hopes the profile of the website - launched this week - will help businesses of all sizes to consider creating more varied working hours.

The project, which is adding jobs daily, impressed the Big Lottery Awards for All scheme, which awarded it a 10,000 grant.

The site, www.working forparents.co.uk, also offers advice on composing CVs, boosting skills and advice on job interviews.

Ms Latto said: "There are so many intelligent, sophisticated mums who can't get a job because of flexibility.

"We're talking about all kinds of people, even qualified lawyers.

"I was frustrated with the situation so decided to do something about it."

Ms Latto was a high-flying development manager before she gave birth to only son Sebastian, now five.

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Despite possessing wide-ranging skills and qualifications, she found it impossible to find gainful employment.

"I wanted to get back to work, but people just assume because you have a child it won't be possible," she recalled. "There was one brilliant offer I had, and at the interview I said there were a range of things I could do (to balance work and childcare].

"They phoned that night and said 'you start tomorrow', which of course was no good because you need time to sort various things out.

"I couldn't start the day after that either, and eventually I just had to say no."

However, it's not only the individuals who stand to benefit, she argued, adding that small-to-medium size private firms should consider adopting "family friendly" policies often seen in the public sector.

"It's definitely a two-way thing," she said.

"Companies can find they are getting really talented individuals in by offering flexible working hours, or even the option of working at home.

"Then, of course, a few years down the line, these people could be able to go full-time, and would feel loyal towards the organisation."

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