Childcare-less employers could be hit by major departures

Employers that don't provide childcare could be faced with staff shortages, after some parents said they'd be prepared to leave their jobs for new positions with free day-care facilities.

The cost of childcare now averages €200 a week.

A survey by RecruitIreland.com found that half of working parents say they'd accept pay cuts of up to 30% in favour of having free childcare in the workplace.