A major plank of the Government's social policy has been to get people, particularly lone parents, into work. However, a survey conducted for the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) reveals that one in five carers - whom the Government defines as people aged between 16 and 64 providing unpaid help for sick, disabled or elderly adults - have had to give up or turn down a job because of their family responsibilities.
Government initiatives have also sought to create accessible and affordable childcare places. But for many they are not accessible - with only one place for every four children aged under eight. And they are not affordable - UK parents are still expected to fork out 75 per cent of the costs of a nursery place, while many of their European counterparts pay only 30 per cent.
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