Childcare provision seen as key to retaining staff

Childcare provision seen as key to retaining staff

A British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey of more than 1,600 business leaders has revealed that a third of firms consider the availability of childcare as a key factor in recruiting and retaining staff. Some 28% of respondents said staff had cut work hours due to childcare costs, whilst 12% had felt a dip in productivity and 9% have seen staff leave over the issue. The poll also found that 39% of businesses expect Government plans to double free childcare will have a positive impact. The BCC also wants the ministers to go further and consider the costs and benefits of a universal childcare entitlement up until school entry.

The Mail on Sunday  BBC News