Women’s careers, and family size both being adversely affected
“Generally across Europe, in countries where women face difficulties in reconciling both work and family life, fertility levels are lower than in those societies committed to policies aimed at gender equality. Therefore, the supply of good quality, affordable and available childcare seems to be affecting family size.”
The dependance on grandparents and family for free or cheap childcare will diminish with increased mobility and the return of older people to the workforce.
“Given the number of women returning to the workforce after their children have been reared the supply of grandparents able to care for their grandchildren may not be plentiful in the future.”
Childcare costs also inhibit women’s career progress.
“Research has shown that for women having children continues to inhibit their career development. On the other hand for men, having children seems to improve their career development since it is interpreted that with a family to support men will be highly motivated in the workplace to further their career.”
She also believes in the need the Government must introduce a combination of paid maternity and parental leave for up to one year. “First year of life is a particularly important developmental stage in a child's life in terms of attachments, development of trust and a sense of security.”
Dr Richardson believes policies should be introduced which provide some element of tax relief on childcare costs or direct subsidies both for parents working full time in the home and those in employment outside the home.
“Nordic countries for example subsidise childcare costs eg Sweden 20%, Finland between 10 and 15% and in Norway it is means-tested but no parent pays more than 45% of total cost.”
