Norfolk mum calls for greater support for working parents
3/4 of those who pay for childcare say it no longer makes financial sense for them to work, according to new report
A Norfolk mum is calling on the Government to provide greater support to working parents with young kids
It's after a report from the childcare crisis group 'Pregnant Then Screwed' found that 3/4 of those who pay for childcare say it no longer makes financial sense for them to work.
24 thousand parents were surveyed as part of this research, which is a part of their new awareness campaign, 'A Cry For Help’.
The report also found that:
-1 in 4 parents (26%) who use formal childcare, say that the cost is now more than 75% of their take home pay
-96% of families with a child under three years old are likely to vote for the political party with the best childcare pledge in the next election
-1 in 3 (32%) parents who use formal childcare say they had to rely on some form of debt to cover childcare costs
"I have had to take my career back 8 years"
Rebecca Wright lives in Norwich, and campaigns against maternity discrimination:
"The biggest struggle we have had is that we’ve had to delay thinking about having a second child until the 30 hours comes in.
"My first was IVF, and with the costs I haven’t been able to save for another round of it. With my fertility the way it is I’m up against a clock as it is.
"The nursery fees at my daughter's nursery have gone up twice in the last 6 months.
"Whilst my flexible working was an issue, it was also my salary that wasn’t really covering our costs.
"Whilst I’m lucky with my employer I have had to take my career back 8 years and go back into a sales role."
What has the Government said about all this?
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“We recognise that families and early years providers across the country are facing financial pressures.
"We are currently looking into options to improve the cost, flexibility, and availability of childcare – ensuring that any plans we bring forward focus on improving outcomes for children.
“We’re investing millions in better training for staff working with pre-school children and have set out plans to help providers run their businesses more flexibly.”