YET again I have read a letter in your paper condemning single parents on benefits. Well I am a single parents with four children, one of which has now left home.

I would like all these people who complain to try living on the money I get.

Most of us would love to work. Don't get me wrong, I have worked and wish I was now but the job I had entailed evening work and childminding is a problem. Yes I have paid taxes.

Three years ago I decided to go back to work after splitting up from my partner, I only worked part-time, so I was entitled to family tax credit, but I have a warning to people getting this. Don't work bank holidays as you will be penalised for a long time.

I worked two bank holidays in May 2002, and my boss at the time was honest and told the Inland Revenue. What a mistake!

They then put me on a lower rate of tax credit for 11 months. I rang them and my boss rang them to say that I had only worked two extra days. They didn't want to know, therefore I ended up getting into a lot of debt which I am still trying to sort out.

My point is if they owe you they don't care, you are just a number, but watch out if you owe them.

My warning to any single parent who wants to return to work is: don't bother its not worth it. I was £90 a month better off but felt a sense of self worth. Now I feel like trash all thanks to the system.

J A OWEN, Billington Gardens, Billington.