THE NUMBER of single parent households in Swindon has increased by nearly 100 per cent between 1991 and 2001.

Figures released by the GMB trade union show that in 1991 the town had 2,204 lone parent households but by 2001 the figure had risen to 4,351.

Other figures from around the UK include Fermanagh, with 191 per cent, South Gloucestershire with 142 per cent, Bristol with 80 per cent and Plymouth with 76 per cent.

The analysis was compiled by a team at the University of Durham.

Paul Kenny, GMB senior official and member of the TUC general council, said: "These figures demonstrate the absolute necessity of employers adopting family friendly policies such as job sharing, flexible working and help with childcare cost to enable these lone parents to participate fully in the workforce.

"After-school clubs and other supports for childcare are also essential. It would be of great help if childcare expenses were made tax deductible for both employers and parents."

Martin Woodhouse, of Swindon Chamber of Commerce, said many employers in the town did make allowances for lone parents.

He added: "I think companies are aware of the special needs of single parents.

"My concern is that single parents do not recognise this.

"Perhaps we could use the next Careers and Jobs Exhibition to target single parents."

Mr Woodhouse manages the Swindon branch of Marks and Spencer.

He said his company made a number of concessions to single parents, including allowing them unpaid time off during school holidays.

Staff can also start later and finish earlier, allowing them to take children to and from school.

Liz Evans, who runs the Sure Start family support programme at the Pinehurst Peoples' Centre in Swindon, said single parents suffered from a bad image.

She added: "There is a significant amount of stigma attached to single parents.

"It's a term that covers all kinds of circumstances. The majority of single parents aren't irresponsible teenagers.

"These kind of assumptions just make life harder for parents without partners."

According to the 2001 census, there were 16,027 divorced or separated people in the Swindon area at the time when the questionnaire was collected.