Two-thirds of workers concerned about childcare
by Hazel Gavigan
 
Ms Connaughton welcomed the figures on remote working but warned there’s a risk in working from home becoming ‘feminised’ and seen as lower-status to that of regular working practices.
Ms Connaughton welcomed the figures on remote working but warned there’s a risk in working from home becoming ‘feminised’ and seen as lower-status to that of regular working practices.

Almost two-thirds of workers say their main concern about returning to work is the provision of childcare.

 

This is according to new research conducted by CIPD who surveyed nearly 350 organisations about the key issues being raised by staff to management.

 

The study also found that 70% of employers are now open to facilitating working from home compared to just 10% at the start of this year.

 

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, Fórsa has been calling on the government to provide a practical solution to the childcare issue.

 

The union’s head of health, Éamonn Donnelly explained that many workers, particularly those on the frontline in healthcare have incurred massive additional childcare costs in order to continue serving the public:

 

“To do right by staff and maximise the numbers available in our hospitals and community health settings, the government should agree to meet additional costs that essential health workers incurred during the crisis,” he said.

 

Time off

 

Director of CIPD, Mary Connaughton said the reopening of crèches on Monday relieved some of the childcare pinch-points, but has not solved the issues faced by parents of primary school children:

 

“During the pandemic many parents had to take time off for childcare, taking both paid and unpaid leave, and we are conscious that it remains a worry as more employees return to the workplace.

 

“We are asking employers to consult with workers on their individual circumstances, and to be flexible in finding options that will meet the needs of both parents and the employer,” she said.

 

Ms Connaughton also welcomed the figures on remote working but warned there’s a risk in working from home becoming ‘feminised’ and seen as lower-status to that of regular working practices.

 

Gender inequality

 

Previous research by the union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute showed that the coronavirus has intensified gender inequality in the home as women assume the bulk of caring responsibilities. 

 

Senior economist Lisa Wilson stated access to childcare is a significant issue for many people returning to work as around 40% of workers in Ireland have dependent children:

 

“Our findings revealed that without access to childcare, gendered patterns of care are being replicated during lockdown and in many cases magnified,” she said.

 

The CIPD study also found that 45% of employees have raised physical and mental health concerns with their employers, while 36% are worried about transport to and from the workplace.

 

CIPD Ireland is a representative body for over 6,000 professionals in HR and career development across the State. For more information on the report, click here.

 

 

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