One result of our society moving to a more service-based economy is that demand for childcare outside the traditional working day grows. A new report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has found that this demand is not being met, however (see News, page 9). This is not really surprising, as many childcare providers already work long hours for low pay and are reluctant to do more. Many also have family responsibilities themselves and need to work hours that fit in with these, not hours that make their domestic arrangements more difficult.