Childcare work woe

WOMEN are unable to return to work because of the need to look after children, and the cost of paying for childcare.

About 665,000 women say they would like to start work, or work more hours, but can’t, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. A quarter said childcare duties were the barrier – in 2014-15, the figure was 19 per cent.

While 40 per cent preferred to care for their own children, 34 per cent blamed the cost and availability of childcare.

The Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey found 80 per cent of parents experience “substantial problems” with childcare access, quality, or cost..