HRreview Header

Iain Mcmath: Higher prices

-

A recent survey by the Daycare Trust revealed that only 28% of parents believe there is sufficient childcare for primary school age children in their area. The survey also discovered that prices for childcare vary across the country (but never less than £4,600 a year), and that these varied prices are uniformly getting higher.

Scotland, in particular, is being hardest hit by these rising costs, and people in Cornwall have begun to worry about whether both parents going to work is even worthwhile, with childcare costs now so high.

It’s a pity, and a worry, that the government is doing little to help with the population’s growing childcare burdens, and that the changes to the law coming in April will mean that the average British household will be £200 a year worse off, according to the IFS.

However, employers can help support working parents by offering a Childcare Voucher Scheme, which reduces the cost of childcare. Additionally there’s still time to take advantage of the current rules which mean that parents can save up to £1195 each per year against the cost of their childcare – a valuable saving.  The clock is ticking though and employers should sign up to a scheme before 21st March to ensure that their employees have the time to sign up for their scheme before 6 April.

 

HRreview Logo

Get our essential daily HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Weekday HR updates. Unsubscribe anytime.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

 

We believe that there are ways to make this situation better, and that no one should have to accept this potential drop in living standards.

Iain McMath, Managing Director, Sodexo Motivation Solutions

Iain joined Sodexo Motivation Solutions in August 2002 bringing eleven years commercial and marketing experience with him.

As Managing Director, Iain is responsible for the overall strategic direction of Sodexo Motivation Solutions, covering Employee Benefits, Incentive & Recognition and Public Benefits. He also oversees UK investment and development, and ensures the delivery of a high quality service.

Since taking up the position, Iain has played an important role in securing major contracts with high profile organisations such as the Home Office, and the launch of the SayCare program. Iain also works with a number of NGO’s in guiding strategy and influencing policy.

Before joining Sodexo Motivation Solutions, Iain worked as a senior executive for a number of companies involved in the aerospace and automotive industries.

In his spare time Iain enjoys theatre, literature, as well as tennis and ski

Latest news

Middle East air disruption leaves UK staff stranded as employers weigh pay and absence decisions

Employers face complex decisions on pay, leave and remote working as travel disruption leaves British staff stranded in the Middle East.

Govt launches gender pay gap and menopause action plans to help women ‘thrive at work’

Employers are encouraged to publish action plans to reduce pay disparities and support staff experiencing menopause under new government measures.

Call for stronger professional standards to rebuild trust in jobs

Professional bodies call for stronger standards and Chartered status to improve trust, accountability and consistency across roles.

Modulr partners with HiBob to streamline payroll payments

Partnership integrates payments automation into payroll workflows to reduce manual processing and improve pay day reliability.
- Advertisement -

Jake Young: Strong workplace connections are the foundation of good leadership

Effective leaders are, understandably, viewed as key to organisational success. Good leaders are felt to improve employee engagement, productivity and retention.

AI reshapes finance jobs as entry-level roles come under pressure

Employers prioritise digital skills over traditional accounting as AI reshapes finance roles and raises concerns over entry-level opportunities.

Must read

Jim Barnett: The art of putting cost effective employee benefits in place

Read about the importance of workplace benefits.

Hannah Wilby: Should your business invest in DBS checks?

Hannah Wilby looks as why DBS checks could save businesses money in the long run as they could protect themselves against employee fraud.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you