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

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a cleaning role that is a little different? Bradley, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner