Private sector employers are trailing the public sector in providing
childcare assistance for staff.
According to a survey by IRS Employment Review, almost three-quarters of
public sector respondents offer some childcare assistance, compared to less
than a quarter of private sector firms.
The survey of 133 organisations also shows that only one in four will help
staff with childcare during the Easter holidays.
Nearly six out of 10 employers which don’t provide childcare help believe
their organisation would benefit from doing so.
More than 40 per cent of firms that provide no childcare support claim cost
is the main barrier.
Sheila Davie of IRS Employment Review called on the Government to share the
cost. "If we are to have good, affordable childcare widely available, the
State has to share the burden," she said.
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