EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Private sector still lagging behind in childcare provision
As many as 72% of public sector organisations offer some childcare assistance - a workplace nursery or play scheme, a cash allowance or advice - while only 24% of private businesses do so, according to a survey by Industrial Relations Services.
The survey found that the most common initiative - chosen by 17 survey respondents - is to operate an on-site nursery, while a further eight employers provide subsidised places in a local nursery.
| Key findings of IRS childcare research |
| Types of childcare assistance: The most common forms of assistance mentioned by survey respondents are operating an advisory or referral service and providing nursery places. |
| Advantages of childcare assistance: Improved retention and recruitment are the key benefits from employer assisted childcare, followed by reduced absence. |
| Stumbling blocks: Common problems include oversubscription and providing childcare arrangements for employees working outside the nine-to-five day. |
Want to know more?
Title: "All work and no play?" IRS Employment Review 747/Employment Trends, 11 March 2002.
Methodology: The survey is based on information received from 133 organisations. Among the respondents, 42% (56 organisations) offer employees some assistance with their childcare arrangements — almost two-thirds of these were in the public sector (36 organisations).
Survey sample: The survey participants employ around 500,000 people in total. Six in ten respondents are private companies.
Availability: Contact the subscriptions department at Industrial Relations Services in London, tel: 020 7354 6742.
For more details jump to the IRS Employment Review web site . . . www.irsemploymentreview.com