Nearly half (47%) of respondents said employers should contribute more to the cost of childcare, according to research by Mumsnet.
Its Childcare costs survey also found that 77% of respondents do not think the government does enough to support working parents with the cost of childcare.
The research also found:
- 38% of respondents have considered quitting their job because of childcare costs.
- 12% of respondents have left a job because of childcare costs.
- 20% of respondents have turned down a job due to childcare costs.
Justine Roberts, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) at Mumsnet, said: “Today’s figures show just how serious the impact of high childcare costs is.
“As a nation, we spend more on childcare than most others in Western Europe, yet lots of parents are unable to work because childcare costs make it uneconomic.”
Anand Shukla, chief executive of the Daycare Trust, added: “Affordable, high-quality childcare is good for child development, enables families to be financially self-sufficient, and ensures organisations have access to the widest possible pool of talent.
“This survey clearly shows that, while parents want affordable childcare, they are not prepared for quality to be compromised.”
John Woodward, CEO of Busy Bees Group, added: “It is clear that parents want to work and access affordable childcare without having to compromise on quality.
“It is in the interest of employers to offer a childcare voucher scheme to working parents who have valuable skills.”
Read more articles on childcare provision