Help from your employer Working parents may get help from their employers with both the practical implications and financial cost of childcare. We explain how they may offer support.

Flexible working

Some enlightened employers offer help with childcare and have family-friendly work policies in place. These tend to be larger companies with a lot of female staff.

Make sure you're aware of your rights and your employer's responsibilities under the Work & Families Act.

Your employer may offer:

• Family-friendly policies such as job sharing, part-time work, or flexi-time. These options can be very helpful for families and may significantly influence your decision to return to work.
• Longer maternity leave. This may be unpaid, but it does mean you'll have more time with your baby.
• Help with the cost of childcare.

Helping with childcare costs

Employers may offer help with childcare (or none at all). If you're lucky, your firm may have a workplace nursery with subsidised places. The nursery may be on the premises or nearby, and may be shared with other local firms. There may also be other childcare services available, such as a childminding network, or a playscheme to cover school holidays.

Some companies offer a childcare voucher scheme. This means that you'll be given vouchers for registered childcare and the employer will then deduct the amount paid from your taxable salary. The first £50 a week free of tax and national insurance contributions for both you and the employer.

If your firm offers no help with childcare costs, find out if anything is planned for the future. Talk to other parents at work to see if you can press for change as a group.

Finding out more

Talk to your employer, line manager or human resources department about what support is available. Or contact the Childcare Information Service for details of local childcare services.

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