The Social Security (Lone Parents and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016 No. 67

Amendment of the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations

3.—(1) The Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1996(1) are amended in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).

(2) After regulation 17A (further circumstances in which a person is to be treated as available: full-time students participating in a qualifying course)(2) insert—

“Further circumstances in which a person is to be treated as available: lone parents with children aged 5 not in full-time education

17B.   A lone parent shall be treated as available for employment in any week where—

(a) the lone parent is responsible for, and a member of the same household as, a child who is aged 5;

(b) the child—

(i) is not receiving full-time education by regular attendance at school or otherwise; and

(ii) is not required by law to receive full-time education; and

(c) it would be unreasonable for the lone parent to make other arrangements for the care of that child.”.

(3) After regulation 21A (further circumstances in which a qualifying person is to be treated as actively seeking employment: full-time students participating in a qualifying course) (3) insert—

“Further circumstances in which a person is to be treated as actively seeking employment: lone parents with children aged 5 not in full-time education

21B.   A lone parent who is treated for any period as being available for employment under regulation 17B shall be treated as actively seeking employment for the same period.”.

(1)

S.R. 1996 No. 198; relevant amending Regulations are S.R. 1998 No. 198.

(2)

Regulation 17A was inserted by regulation 4 of S.R. 1998 No. 198.

(3)

Regulation 21A was inserted by regulation 5 of S.R. 1998 No. 198.