Laura Sharman 06 June 2019

London parents 'locked out' of work due to rising childcare costs

Nearly two in three local authorities in London do not have enough childcare to meet the demand from parents of school-age children, new research has revealed.

The report, published by Coram Family and Childcare and supported by Trust for London, found the cost of childcare for 5-11 year olds has risen by a third in the last decade.

It also found huge variations in the availability of breakfast and after school clubs between London boroughs. Children with special educational needs or a disability are even less likely to be able to access reliable childcare, according to the report.

Megan Jarvie, head of Coram Family and Childcare, said: ‘London parents who want or need to go out to work are struggling to find or afford the childcare they need. High costs, inadequate financial support and patchy availability of childcare act as a toxic combination for working parents.

’We need central, regional and local government to work together to implement solutions that support families.’

The report concludes that some parents - especially those claiming Universal Credit - see little or no financial gain from working more hours due to the high cost of childcare.

Coram Family and Childcare is calling for the Government to switch to upfront payment for Universal Credit and raise the childcare funding provided by Universal Credit to 100% of costs.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Part Time Finance Administrator

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Finance AdministratorPermanent, Part Time£25,081 per annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner