Great Britain: the government seeks to lower childcare costs in order to encourage parents to return to work

In its plan unveiled on 04 July, the UK executive announced the launch of a consultation aimed at reducing the childcare ratio in nurseries (early year settings for 2 year olds). According to its calculations, raising the current ratio of 1 adult for every 4 children to 1 for every 5 could reduce the costs for parents with young children by 15%. Former Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi said,”This in turn will support thousands of families across the country, helping to develop children’s skills while also supporting parents into work.” The government, which is looking for women to return to work, is also considering supporting childminders in order to increase their number (reducing childminders’ upfront costs, relaxing rules on childminding locations, and more…), as well as conducting an information campaign over the summer months so that all parents know what aids are available. “These proposals won’t help. Cutting staffing ratios will just put more pressure on underpaid and undervalued childcare workers,” said TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady. According to the TUC, annual childcare costs for the youngest children have risen by more than £2,000 (€2,336), i.e. 44% between 2010 and 2021. In 2021, one in three UK couples spent more than a third of their salary on childcare.