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The Early Years Alliance has responded to a report released today by the Centre for Progressive Policy, entitled 'Women in the labour market: Boosting mothers’ employment and earnings through accessible childcare'.

The report found that 46% of mothers across the UK “struggled to find suitable childcare”, and that if women had access to adequate childcare services, and were able to work the hours they wanted, they would increase their earnings by between £7.6bn and £10.9bn per annum - generating up to £28.2bn in economic output at the same time in short-term gains of tackling under-employment alone.

Commenting, Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, said: 

“We know that quality, affordable childcare plays a vital role in supporting parents - and primarily, mothers - to participate in the workforce. However, the harsh reality is that years of government underfunding have forced many early years providers to either restrict their hours or increase fees and charges to stay afloat, making it increasingly difficult for mothers with young children to return to and remain in work. 

"As CPP's report points out, this not only results in lost earning potential for women, but also costs the economy billions in foregone tax revenue. It's time for the government to recognise that a strong and sustainable economy cannot be achieved without a strong and sustainable early years sector, and commit to investing what is needed to fix our broken childcare system.

The report is available to view here: