The proposal to help single-parent social security recipients achieve self-reliance and social integration has been revised, with about 18,000 affected, Deputy Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Salina Yan says.

Speaking on a radio talk show, Ms Yan noted the community generally support the broad direction and objectives of the proposal to empower single parents to be self-reliant.

After taken into account different views, the bureau has revised the proposal requiring single parents to seek at least part-time employment with 32 hours a month. The single-parent supplement will also be retained.

Now, the proposal only requires those whose youngest child is aged 12 to 14 to find work, rather than requiring those with a child as young as 6 to 14 to do so.

Ms Yan said about 18,000 single parents will be affected, adding 11% of them have already had jobs.

Three-way co-operation key

She stressed the revised proposal has struck a balance between different views expressed, and a progressive approach will be adopted when implementing the proposal.

Ms Yan said three-way co-operation between the Government, the community and business sector will offer single parents support and make the best use of limited resources.

The Legislative Council Subcommittee on the Review of Comprehensive Social Security Assistance will meet on July 22 to discuss the revised proposal.