If you are out of work and you can do the job you should take it, if you are litterally all on your own with a child then something else has happened in your life for you t reach that situation. There has to come a point where people are responsible for life choices.
I have to take issue with this. Some of you guys on this board may be surprised to learn that I was once a single parent family. After Mrs. Apache MK I ran off with a Ukrainian double glazing salesman (opps, where's me washboard!) I was left looking after two little lads under six. Although I was in full time employment, indeed I took on a part-time job on top of looking after the nippers, it was one of the hardest times in my life. I was lucky, a lot just aren't. Should they be punished (again!) because thier partner buggered off when the going got a bit rough?

Too simplistic a view IMO. Every case is different. That is all.