HRreview 20 Years
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Subscribe for weekday HR news, opinion and advice.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Iain Mcmath: Higher prices

-

A recent survey by the Daycare Trust revealed that only 28% of parents believe there is sufficient childcare for primary school age children in their area. The survey also discovered that prices for childcare vary across the country (but never less than £4,600 a year), and that these varied prices are uniformly getting higher.

Scotland, in particular, is being hardest hit by these rising costs, and people in Cornwall have begun to worry about whether both parents going to work is even worthwhile, with childcare costs now so high.

It’s a pity, and a worry, that the government is doing little to help with the population’s growing childcare burdens, and that the changes to the law coming in April will mean that the average British household will be £200 a year worse off, according to the IFS.

However, employers can help support working parents by offering a Childcare Voucher Scheme, which reduces the cost of childcare. Additionally there’s still time to take advantage of the current rules which mean that parents can save up to £1195 each per year against the cost of their childcare – a valuable saving.  The clock is ticking though and employers should sign up to a scheme before 21st March to ensure that their employees have the time to sign up for their scheme before 6 April.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

We believe that there are ways to make this situation better, and that no one should have to accept this potential drop in living standards.

Iain McMath, Managing Director, Sodexo Motivation Solutions

Iain joined Sodexo Motivation Solutions in August 2002 bringing eleven years commercial and marketing experience with him.

As Managing Director, Iain is responsible for the overall strategic direction of Sodexo Motivation Solutions, covering Employee Benefits, Incentive & Recognition and Public Benefits. He also oversees UK investment and development, and ensures the delivery of a high quality service.

Since taking up the position, Iain has played an important role in securing major contracts with high profile organisations such as the Home Office, and the launch of the SayCare program. Iain also works with a number of NGO’s in guiding strategy and influencing policy.

Before joining Sodexo Motivation Solutions, Iain worked as a senior executive for a number of companies involved in the aerospace and automotive industries.

In his spare time Iain enjoys theatre, literature, as well as tennis and ski

Latest news

Felicia Williams: Why ‘shadow work’ is quietly breaking your people strategy

Employees are losing seven hours a week to tasks that fall outside their core job description. For HR leaders, that’s the kind of stat that keeps you up at night.

Redundancies rise as 327,000 job losses forecast for 2026

UK job losses are set to rise again as redundancy warnings hit post-pandemic highs, with employers cutting roles amid rising costs and economic pressure.

Rise of ‘sickfluencers’ and AI advice sparks concern over attitudes to work

Online influencers and AI tools are shaping how people approach illness and employment, heaping pressure on employers.

‘Silent killer’ dust linked to 500 construction deaths a year as 600,000 workers face exposure

Hundreds of UK construction workers die each year from silica dust exposure as a new campaign calls for stronger workplace protections.
- Advertisement -

Leaders ‘overestimate’ how much workers use AI

Firms may be misreading workforce readiness for artificial intelligence, as frontline staff report far lower day-to-day adoption than executives expect.

Cost-of-living pressures ‘keep unhappy workers in their jobs’

Many say economic pressures are forcing them to remain in jobs they would otherwise leave, as pay and financial stability dominate career decisions.

Must read

Simon Reichwald: Getting ghosted by talent?

Whether it is reneges, declines or ghosting - businesses now need to work harder than ever to deliver a hiring experience like no other if they want to maximise and retain their incoming talent.

Fiona Hamor: Entering the post-furlough workplace

"But as businesses lose thousands of pounds in employee funding, what will the post-furlough landscape look like and what do employers need to consider as workers return?"
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you