OECD report backs work testing solo parents

The OECD has recommended New Zealand "work test" solo parent beneficiaries.

An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report says the lack of a work test in New Zealand, Australia, Britain and Ireland could be responsible for low solo parent employment levels.

Under such a work test, solo parents would have to actively seek work once their youngest child reached a certain age - usually school age in countries where it operates.

Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson said: "New Zealand's approach is to work together with sole parents to support them into finding sustainable employment and this has proved effective without having to use work testing."