CYP Now - Policy & Practice: Childcare plans must not forget shift workers

A significant change has taken place in working patterns, with a 24-hour service culture resulting in shift work moving away from its traditional place in manufacturing.

The move away from traditional nine to five working hours has been recognised as one of the reasons the UK economy has performed so well recently.

But many of those expected to work early mornings, evenings, nights and weekends are parents, and childcare services remain geared to the traditional working week.

Shiftworkers tend to be low paid and have often needed to rely on family and friends for childcare. The new approved childcare scheme will offer support to some with childcare costs, but employers who take account of the increased pressures of shift work patterns and offer additional worklife and childcare support could gain real benefits in attracting and retaining staff.

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