A SINGLE mother says the stigma of being on her own is preventing her from finding much-needed work.

Chantel Omani-Mensah, 31, split up with her son's father when she was four months' pregnant.

After six years as a single mum to Theo, now ten, she met her future husband, but that relationship ended in January.

Chantel, of Leas Road, Clacton, said: "I was determined to find full-time work as soon as possible to make up the missing income.

"I thought it would take a few weeks, but we're coming into May now and I'm still looking.

"As soon as I say that I am a single parent, the perspective employer loses interest."

Desperate to find work, Chantel says she applies for several jobs each week, from catering work to administrative roles.

"I've gone for anything and everything," she said.

"It's like I am being penalised for having a child.

"I've now been forced to sign on for income support, which I really didn't want to do."

The situation is becoming urgent for Chantel and Theo, with the bills piling up at home.

"I've got them coming out of my eyes and ears," she said.

"I don't have enough money to live on and I'm desperately struggling to meet payments.

"Theo is a very intelligent and mature boy, so he understands the predicament I'm in and knows I'm doing my best.

"But he's still a child and needs new things.

"I can't get him new shoes or even take him to football practice because I can't afford petrol for the car."

Chantel says she is frustrated with society's misconception about single mums.

"We are slapped with an automatic stigma by the general public and the employment world alike," she said.

"I am tired of people judging me, and I just want the stigma to be taken away.

"I'm not a stereotypical single mum - but people don't believe me when I say that I am furiously looking for work."