Food banks and loan sharks

In the Women’s TUC motion on childcare (September 9), delegates discussed how the battle to find quality but affordable childcare is pushing many working parents, especially mothers, to their limits.

Unite delegate Ruth Hayes said, “Low pay and the cost of childcare leave many households with little option but a reliance on food banks and loan sharks.

“My neighbours have to leave their kids in the park and pop out in their lunch break to check on them because they can’t afford childcare – putting their children at risk and making them feel unvalued.”

Speakers argued for better options for parents and consideration of how we can give children quality childcare, without pushing their family into poverty.

“We might finally be reaching a tipping point in the childcare debate, as it is now a key issue for many voters because market forces mean they simply cannot provide the best start in life for their children,” Ruth warned.

“Now is the time to seize the opportunity to build better childcare and improve the chances for children and the working lives of their parents.”