1 in 5 parents will reduce the amount of hours they work because of childcare costs

A survey has found that 1 in 5 parents in the UK who pay for childcare will reduce the amount of hours they work or would think about quitting their job because of rising costs.

The survey, commissioned by the charity 4Children, also found that 28% said they would  have to cut back on ‘treats’ to help pay for childcare, while 16% said they would have to do the same for ‘essentials’ over the next year.

51% of these people said they thought political parties should do more to help parents deal with the cost of childcare.

Tristram Hunt, Shadow Education Secretary, responding to this saying:

“Under David Cameron, childcare costs have rocketed by 30 per cent since 2010. Wages are down by £1,600 and the availability of childcare has plummeted.

“Labour’s plan for childcare will make work pay and boost the economy. We will increase free childcare for working parents with three and four year olds from 15 to 25 hours, making a real difference to hard-pressed parents. Our legal guarantee of a childcare place for parents of primary school children will also help mums and dads balance work and family life.”