Two-thirds of women say childcare duties affected career progression
Two-thirds of women with childcare responsibilities believe they have missed out on career progression as a direct result, business leaders have warned, amid growing pressure on the government to boost support for parents.
Ahead of next week’s budget, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said tackling barriers to work posed by soaring childcare costs and a lack of support for elderly or disabled relatives was vital for equality and the economy.
In a landmark survey of more than 4,000 women, it found as many as 67% felt childcare duties in the past decade had cost them progress at work – including pay rises, promotions, or career development. Almost 90% believed that additional support was needed.
In the study, released to coincide with International Women’s Day, BCC, which represents thousands of companies across the UK, also found that three-quarters of women said there was not sufficient support for those going through menopause.
Shevaun Haviland, the BCC’s director general, said urgent action was required from the government and employers to break down barriers and ensure women had the same opportunities as men.
“Tackling these issues is integral not only to the wellbeing of our women and workplaces, it is crucial to the functioning of any strong economy,” she said.
The intervention adds to pressure on the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, to use his upcoming budget to provide more support for parents to work, amid warnings from economists that sky-high childcare costs are among the reasons why thousands of people have quit the jobs market.
Hunt is widely expected to place growing workforce participation at the heart of his statement, but is thought to be unlikely to announce major new funding for childcare amid government concerns
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