Should working parents get free childcare?

A petition has been started as that is what thousands of parents would like to see.

As a working parent myself, I know how hard it can be to juggle childcare and work, especially during school holidays, strike days and when the children are poorly. Luckily I have a great family who help me out with childcare so I don’t have to pay for it. However, not everyone has that luxury and they rely on childcare whilst they’re at work.

Child care is not cheap and some parents can pay a huge chunk of their wage on childcare and be left with barely anything.

The petition says ”People who work full time should not be penalised by having to pay for childcare so they can return to work, while people who don’t work and have no need for childcare get it for free.”

All 3-4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free childcare per week at the moment and it doesn’t matter if you are unemployed or in work.

I have seen mixed reactions on Facebook about this petition with people saying;

”I agree. Parents who aren’t in work don’t need anyone to look after their kids anyway!”

”Just because I don’t have a job doesn’t mean I am not entitled to some time to myself just like every other parent” – a reply to this comment said ”But we don’t get the time to ourselves, we’re in work.”

”I think every child should be entitled to the same opportunity,, no one child is more important than the other because of their parents working status.”

”I am worse off working because I pay most of my wage on childcare therefore I bring home less than someone on benefits gets. Please tell me where the justice is in this?”

”I’m looking for work and can’t get a job but this shouldn’t mean my child misses out.”

”We need childcare so we can get to work and put food on our tables, however I would rather be spending the time with my child. Why would a parent give up time with their child when they don’t have to?”

You can view and sign the petition here if you wish.

What do you think? Get intouch.