Recently I was reading that the co-op have carried out a survey to highlight issues facing working mothers and fathers when making childcare arrangements. Interestingly they found that out of the 2000 parents polled 45% were “completely unaware” of childcare vouchers and how they could save them money. 

The survey found that 33% of parents were not even offered childcare vouchers by their employer, with 22% saying they would take up the scheme if they were. 

The survey has exposed a need for childcare options before and after normal school hours, with 62% of respondents having to make financial sacrifices for childcare.  Only 40% or respondents actually used childcare vouchers to help with the cost. 

According to HRmagazine recent reports have shown that some parents feel it is more financially viable to stay at home and not work than to pay for childcare. 

The child care vouchers scheme has been proven to enhance retention and recruitment. The September running of the PAYdata UK Reward Survey shows that employers are concerned that people will start to shop around for money once the job market heats up. With this in mind there has has been no better time to promote childcare vouchers and other benefits to employees. One of the best ways of doing this is by using Total Reward Statements to help explain the overall value of the reward package you provide.