Single mum Nichola Salvato, 49, from Brighton, brought the case against the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) saying its Proof of Payment rule put her in debt and forced her to reduce her working hours.
The rule is the DWP’s mechanism for assessing and paying the childcare costs covered by Universal Credit payments, which requires proof of payment from working parents before they receive funding.
In his jusdgement, Mr Justice Chamberlain said the rule subjected Nichola Salvato and other mums in her situation, to indirect sex discrimination and branded it “irrational”.
In her case, supported by Save the Children, Gingerbread, the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) and the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), Salvato said that in September 2018 she began working full-time as a welfare rights adviser for a housing association, and needed up to 3.5 hours childcare per day for her then 10-year-old daughter.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
