Working mums need more support

A new survey has revealed that working mums continue to face ongoing challenges of balancing childcare with their jobs.

According to the Totaljobs and Fawcett Society report, ‘Paths to Parenthood: Uplifting new mothers at work’, over 249,124 working mums of children aged 4 or under have had to leave their jobs due to a lack of childcare support.

The main findings show:

• Two-fifths of working mums have turned down a promotion due to childcare pressures.
• Working mothers are 1.4 times more likely to feel the financial burden of childcare costs compared to working fathers.
• Just 31% of working mums have access to the flexible working arrangements they need.
• As many as 85% of working mums struggle to find a job that can accommodate their childcare needs.

Commenting on the findings, Jane Lorigan, CEO of Totaljobs, said, “There are more mothers in the workplace than ever before, and businesses need to create an environment where they can flourish.

“With critical labour shortages, and the pressures of childcare could ultimately have a longer-term impact on our ever-shrinking workforce. Not only do working parents need more support, but we need to ensure this support extends to the people who need it the most. 

“While businesses can only go so far without a government policy change, there are very important steps they can take to improve the situation. Tracking the progress of working mothers when they return from maternity leave will help highlight any shortcomings from the business side. Creating a clear policy framework will let everyone know where they stand. And clearly signposting the support available will ensure no working mother misses out on the support she is entitled to.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Amelia on 01206 591 000 or email amelia.bowlez@contractorumbrella.com.