The Knesset Labor & Social Affairs Committee on Tuesday, 7 Shevat, approved regulations submitted by Minister of Labor & Social Affairs Chaim Katz, according to which, a single parent (one who is not married, usually a single mom), studying for a bachelor’s or academic degree, will not have to report to Employment Service offices and they will not be penalized for not reporting providing they are studying and/or working 30 hours weekly in 2018 and 36 hours weekly beginning in 2019.

The original draft called for 40 hours weekly but following the intervention of committee member MK (Kulanu) Merav Ben-Ari, the lower figures were accepted. She explains that in 2018, Bituach Leumi will amass data regarding those who take advantage of the new regulation, and as 2019 approaches, the committee can make a final determination regarding the minimum number of hours that will be required weekly in 2019.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)