Parents ‘consider quitting work over childcare costs’
BBC NEWS | Education & Family | 8 Jan 2015
One in five UK parents with childcare costs will reduce the hours they work or consider giving up work altogether in 2015, a survey suggests.
More than a quarter (28%) of the same parents will be cutting back on treats in order to meet childcare costs, the poll indicates.
And 16% say they will have to cut back on essentials over the next 12 months. The survey of 1,000 parents paying for childcare was commissioned by the family charity 4Children.
‘Hard-pressed parents’
Over half of those surveyed – 51% – thought the political parties should commit to more help with the cost of childcare for parents.
Commenting on the survey, 4Children chief executive Anne Longfield said: “Childcare represents a huge financial challenge for most parents, and our poll shows the real impact costs are having on family life – from giving up work to cutting back on essentials.
“Removing parents’ choice as to whether or not they continue to work after having children is not the answer for families or for the economy.
