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 weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
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 at Managing

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

Superdry co-founder’s victim warns workplace power can silence abuse victims

A survivor's account raises questions about speaking-up cultures and accountability in organisations.

UK’s always-on work culture ‘driving employee burnout’

Nearly half of UK workers say they end most working days mentally exhausted as rising workplace pressure leaves employees and managers struggling to switch off.

Andrew Murray on why no two days look alike

A people development leader shares how travel, training and a passion for helping others shape a working day with little room for routine.

Lucy Standing: Older workers are back in the centre of the hiring debate – ready to lead the response?

For HR leaders, the argument is simple: the people being filtered out of your hiring process are not past their best.
- Advertisement -

One in 10 women quit work after pregnancy loss, report finds

Research suggests inconsistent workplace support following pregnancy loss and maternity leave is contributing to resignations and poorer mental wellbeing.

Fear of becoming obsolete grips workers as AI reshapes careers

More than two in five workers worry their skills could become outdated as AI reshapes hiring demands and increases pressure to keep learning.

Must read

Robots will revolutionise work, but can they also empower humans?

Technology is rapidly changing both our work and lives. Smart phones and social media are already "connecting" the world, allowing for instantaneous communication and access to an almost infinite amount of information at people's fingertips.

Chad Bennett: How intelligent technologies will impact the future of work for HR teams

"Inefficient processes must be streamlined, risk needs to continue to be mitigated, and productivity must remain a priority."
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you