Childcare ‘locking mothers out of work’

02 September 2016

New mothers are significantly more likely to be unemployed than new fathers, new research from the TUC has found.

The analysis, published today, found that an average of 64% of mothers with children under the age of five are in paid employment compared with 93% of fathers, and that women’s decision to stay in work appears to be affected in regional differences in the availability of affordable childcare, housing, transport, and good quality part-time jobs.

Employers need to show some flexibility to help working parents with their childcare responsibilities, the TUC advised.

“We need to share parenting more equally – else the gender pay gap will take decades to close,” TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady commented.

“And we need employers to help too. We need vastly more good quality part-time and flexible jobs. And employers have to be flexible too – like when kids start school and are on shorter hours for the first few weeks.”

Acting Director general of the British Chamber of Commerce Adam Marshall agreed that more needs to be done, particularly around the provision of affordable childcare.

“Too many parents – in particular women – are losing out on opportunities at work, too many firms are losing talented employees, and the UK economy as a whole is paying the price,” he said.

This is the latest in a series of recent reports showing that the life of a working woman continues to be more difficult than for a man. As well as reports of rising pregnancy discrimination, the Women and Equalities Committee has urged the government to increase protection at work for new mothers.

We look forward to discussing these issues and more at our Employment Law Conferences in November. Seats are still available to book for these popular annual events, at which top experts will update delegates on today’s most pressing labour law issues, changes to the legislation, and how to fight back.

Click here to read more about our Employment Law Update in London on Wednesday 09 November 2016

Click here to read more about our Employment Law Update in Liverpool on Tuesday 29 November 2016