saiStay-at-home mums say that the cost of childcare means they can’t afford to go to work.
The poll of 5,500 mothers found that 70% of those who did not work said they would be worse off if they had to pay for childcare so they could work. The figure rose to 74% in Scotland.
Among mothers who had returned to work after having children, 86% said they did so to set a good example to their children and a third said they wanted to stimulate their minds.
Extended family are also vital in helping to relieve the burden of childcare costs, and it’s no surprising since grandparents have long been documented as providing free childcare support to families with young children to their parents can work. A third of mothers who rely on their family to look after their children were found among the poll,s respondents.
Mothers in the survey said they wanted the government to provide cheaper childcare, more after-school clubs, and for employers to offer better flexible working policies.
Ceri Goddard, chief executive of the Fawcett Society, said: “More flexible working practices should become the norm not the exception.
“Having children should not mean mums are forced to give up paid work. Not only does this undermine women’s financial independence, it also means limiting their potential when it comes to contributing to the economy.”
