Childcare responsibilities ‘costly for companies’

PARENTS unable to come to work because of childcare responsibilities is costing Fijian companies an average of $550,000 per year, says a new report released by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The “Supporting gender equal workplaces in Fiji” report was commissioned by the IFC through its Gender and Economic Inclusion Group in East Asia and the Pacific.

“A lack of quality childcare options in Fiji limits the ability of many parents to participate fully in the labour market,” the report stated.

“IFC research in Fiji found that childcare responsibilities have significant impacts on parents’ abilities to consistently perform at work and focus on their job.

“The research found that, in the nine surveyed companies, lost staff time due to childcare responsibilities costs an average of $265,000 ($F550,000) annually.”

“There is an unmet need for formal childcare services to respond to growing demand caused by changing family structures and increasing internal migration for work.

The report revealed there were substantial gaps in legislation, policy, and regulations related to childcare services in Fiji, with the provision of early childhood care and education services for children below three years of age largely unregulated.

“This lack of licensing and quality standards creates a risk for private sector employers who might wish to provide childcare for employees.”

The report stated the Fijian Government was developing regulation and policies for early childhood care services to ensure safe and quality childcare services in Fiji.