Today, Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson launched the Labour’s vision for a modern childcare system with the announcement that the party would fund breakfast clubs in every primary school.
Claire Reindorp, Chief Executive of the Young Women’s Trust, said:
“For thousands of young women, reaching their full potential in the workplace is impossible because of the childcare system that we have today. Labour’s vision for a modern childcare system that gives families true chances to succeed couldn’t be more needed.
“Young women are clear about what they need: universal, affordable and flexible childcare that supports them to do the jobs they’re capable of, allow them to contribute to the economy, and support their families.
“In our survey, 1 in 3 young mums said that they were forced to leave a job because they could not afford childcare and more than half said they would work more hours if they could find flexible childcare at an affordable price. As well as price, flexibility is key for many young women working shifts in places like hospitals, shops and care homes, where 9-5 childcare just doesn’t work.
“Universal provision of breakfast clubs is a great place to start. We’re looking forward to hearing more about Labour’s comprehensive childcare proposal and helping to bring young women into the design of new solutions which will support them to unlock their potential.”
Notes to editors
Stats taken from Young Women’s Trust report, Childcare: What young women want. 2019. Available at Childcare-report-2019.pdf (youngwomenstrust.org)
