Workers would quit for better childcare

ALMOST two out of every three workers would quit their jobs to do comparable work for less pay with an employer who provided childcare facilities, a survey of Irish workers has found.

The childcare crisis faced by Irish workers is not abating, the Recruitireland.com website survey found, as many working parents spend more on childcare than on mortgages.

The survey shows employers of just 5.6% of respondents provide childcare or crèche facilities at work. A survey conducted by RecruitIreland.com last year recorded a similar response.

"A staggering 63% of employees said they would leave their current employer if offered a similar job by an employer with childcare facilities. Importantly, they would also take a salary cut in this situation," the survey authors said.

These changes would represent a real challenge to employers but also highlight the opportunities for employers to attract employees while cutting their wage bill through progressive family-friendly facilities.

Sinéad Johnson of RecruitIreland.com said: "The survey results really highlight the ongoing issue of childcare facilities for working parents. The survey also highlights the opportunities for both employers and Government.

"For employers, in the war for talent, the provision of childcare facilities at work is clearly a strong incentive for six out of ten employees when looking at their work/life balance. The survey also shows massive approval for Government initiatives to encourage employers to provide childcare facilities in the workplace.

"Some work has been done and in Budget 2000 the Government further improved the capital allowances for employers who use or refurbish parts of their premises for use as childcare facilities but the survey results show that more could be done."

An overwhelming majority of 94% of respondents support tax incentives to encourage employers to provide childcare/crèche facilities in the workplace.

Almost 30% of those surveyed said they pay more for childcare than they do for their mortgage or rent. A further 30% pay the same for childcare as they do for their monthly mortgage or rent outlay. In cash terms, almost 30% of respondents with children pay between €600 and €900 per month per childcare place.

Importantly, employees also state that they are caught in a 'Catch 22' scenario as over 75% believe that taking parental leave could hinder their chances of promotion at work.

The survey was carried out over the past four weeks and was completed in confidence by almost 350 respondents.