According to a new report by think-tank The Centre for Progressive Policy, “a lack of affordable, accessible childcare is costing the economy billions in lost earnings and holding back much-needed labour supply”.
It finds that 27 per cent of mothers surveyed as part of the research – the equivalent of around 1.5 million women – said they would like to work more hours if they had access to suitable childcare.
“If these desired hours were realised, it would result in at least £9.4bn in additional earnings per year, producing additional economic output of upwards of £27bn per year,” the report states.
Researchers estimate that 540,000 mothers have been prevented from entering paid work due to a lack of suitable childcare; 880,000 have reduced their hours at work, and 470,000 have quit their jobs.
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