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Childcare 'good for business'

The Government has called on UK businesses to play a greater part in the expansion of childcare for their staff. Speaking at a conference on employer-supported childcare last week, minister for children Margaret Hodge said that many employers 'don't see supporting childcare as a business concern'. In fact, companies had withdrawn from participation compared with six or seven years ago, she claimed, and only 2 per cent of childcare was funded by employers.

Speaking at a conference on employer-supported childcare last week, minister for children Margaret Hodge said that many employers 'don't see supporting childcare as a business concern'. In fact, companies had withdrawn from participation compared with six or seven years ago, she claimed, and only 2 per cent of childcare was funded by employers.

Mrs Hodge flagged up the new 50 per employee per week salary sacrifice scheme that will come into operation next April. 'We need employers to take it up and champion it,' she added. She also urged Regional Development Agencies to work out childcare strategies, following the lead of the London Development Agency (LDA).

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