Bills force new mums back to work

Last Modified: 13 May 2008
Source: ITN

More and more mothers are being forced to return to work to help make ends meet, a study has found.

Researchers found parents' choice of caring for their own children is rapidly becoming a luxury available only to those who can afford it.

The number of stay-at-home parents has hit its lowest level in 15 years with just 7 per cent of all parents now staying at home to look after their children.

With household bills rising £148 a month since 2007, the real rate of inflation for families hitting 9 per cent, and the UK seeing disposable income at its lowest level in a decade, the rising cost of living is taking its toll on young families.

The study found that 38 per cent of parents with children under two find they have to go back to work for financial reasons.

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com which commissioned the report, said: "Economic factors are taking away the choice for many young families today.

"People who want to stay at home can't afford to due to rising household bills, and even people who want to return to work can't afford to either, due to the high cost of childcare.

"As a result, both parents and children are losing out.

"Any initiatives introduced by the Government that support parents wishing to return to work when they have children should be commended - but we also need to recognise that some parents would prefer to stay at home to look after their children, even if only during the early years.

"This is all about parents having a say in how they raise their families."

These news feeds are provided by an independent third party and Channel 4 is not responsible or liable to you for the same.