Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on the announcement that an interest-free loan scheme to help cover the up-front cost of childcare provision will be provided to parents in the GLA Group said:
“I am delighted that the Mayor has taken up and introduced this policy that I have long championed.
“Similar schemes must now be introduced by other employers to tackle the low percentage of working mothers in London. Good childcare policies are a win-win for both parents and employers.
“At present registration fees and one month’s deposit to secure a nursery place can result in parents facing over £1,000 before they have even returned to work. These costs can provide a real deterrent to parents, and particularly mothers, who are considering returning to work.
“When London businesses are crying out for skilled workers to fill their vacancies we must find ways to remove any barriers for parents returning to work.”
Read more in the Evening Standard.