A poll by the TUC (Trades Union Congress) of their members conducted throughout August has revealed that 2 out of 5 moms (41%), with children under 10, either can’t get, or are concerned they wont be able to get, enough childcare this September to cover all their hours after coming back off furlough.

As a result, the TUC is calling on the Government for additional support for parents with children as well as a cash boost into the childcare sector.

Due to difficulties arising from the COVID pandemic, the poll found that many people were struggling to get back into the positions they were before the crisis.

• 45% responded to say they don’t have their usual help from friends and family 
• 35% said afterschool clubs are fully booked or not running 
• 28% have lost childcare places previously provided by school breakfast clubs 
• 28% don’t have their usual nursery or childminder available

The survey also revealed that many had had to reduce their hours to accommodate childcare whilst schools were closed but were now worried how they might be viewed by their employers:

• 18%) responded to say they were concerned that balancing work and childcare has affected how they will be assessed in work appraisals
• 16% said they were worried that it’s likely impacted on their chances of any future promotion

Responding to the results of the survey, the TUC is calling on the Government to help it’s members (and the wider sector as a whole) by:

• Keeping open the option to furlough staff beyond October to support those parents who aren’t able to return to work because of childcare responsibilities until schools and childcare settings are fully reopened 
• Give an urgent cash boost to the childcare sector so that childcare providers can continue to offer the levels of care they were providing pre-COVID. 
• Introduce flexible working options for staff from their first day in the job.