Those working irregular hours or on low incomes often have to rely on poor quality childcare, a leading charity has warned.
Research by Citizens Advice found three quarters of childcare providers do not offer weekend care and 90% expect payment in advance. Those most likely to offer variable hours tend to have poorer Ofsted ratings.
Citizens Advice chief executive, Gillian Guy, said the recent rise in self-employment would leave more parents struggling to find suitable childcare.
‘Jobs are no longer just nine to five but childcare often is,’ she said. ‘The Government has shown admirable commitment to helping parents deal with the cost of raising their children, but the reality is that accessing decent childcare will continue to be a barrier to parents wanting to work. Now that the Government has reduced costs, the other day-to-day barriers to childcare need to be addressed.
‘The rise of start-up Britain is a challenge and opportunity for childcare providers to offer quality services which meet changing demand. Our evidence shows that the most suitable childcare options for those on unstable hours are likely to be of poorer quality, which could have a damaging impact on a child’s ability to learn and develop.
‘Parents who work shifts or irregular hours may find that the lack of availability will be a major block to getting work. A last minute change of shift or an unexpected meeting could mean parents see their hard work undone by extra costs.
‘Up-front costs are a hurdle for families trying to make ends meet, and for many it will simply not be possible to scrape together a deposit and advance payment to hold down a place for their child. If parents are unable to access or afford decent childcare then they can be prevented from going out to work. Government has made excellent progress in helping with costs but everyday childcare is at odds with modern working Britain.’