Having childcare is not proving to be the ticket out of poverty that the Government claims it is, a new study of working mothers reveals. Mary Evans reports
The benefits of improved access to daycare through the Government's welfare-to-work programme are cancelled out by the low-pay trap which leaves some mothers worse off, according to a research project centred on an early excellence centre in Hackney.
Welfare to work, which encourages parents into the labour force, is a key weapon in the Government's campaign to eradicate child poverty. But the study found that, while mothers from socially disadvantaged families with access to good daycare are more likely to take paid work, they can often see a reduction in their household income because their benefits are cut.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here