Working parents rely on mum and dad for childcare - new survey

Grandparents are coming to the rescue of working parents stymied by steep childcare costs when they seek to return to work, reveals a new survey.
Nearly half (44%) of working parents admit they depend upon their own mums and dads to help out with childcare, claims a new poll by Workingmums.co.uk. the UK's number one jobsite for professional working mums and flexible jobseekers.
The study, which surveyed nearly 2,000 mothers, shows that grandparents are playing a vital role in enabling parents to return to work by looking after children - they're also keeping childcare costs to a minimum because nearly half (44%) are doing it for free.
One in four working mums said they put their children into a nursery, while the rest used childminders, friends or other family.  Only 4% employed a nanny or used an au pair.
Gillian Nissim, founder of Workingmums.co.uk, said: ''This year's survey shows just how important grandparents are in helping parents get back into the workplace.  Working mums are able to contribute significantly to the British economy as a result of their parents looking after their children.  Without their help, it would be impossible for many mums to go back to work - grandparents not only help with the childcare but also keep childcare costs to a minimum.''
Previous studies have claimed UK grandparents are saving the British economy £3.9billion in childcare bills.  Next year they will be eligible for National Insurance credits.
Sam Smethers, chief executive of charity Grandparents Plus, which champions the crucial role of grandparents and the wider family in children's lives, said: ''This survey confirms that working mums are increasingly relying on grandparents for childcare.
''Families are under increasing financial pressure and grandparents are helping to bridge the childcare gap.  It is time we start recognising the growing contribution of grandparents.'' 
But many mums in the Workingmums.co.uk survey who didn't have access to help from grandparents warned they are being prevented from returning to work because of heavy childcare costs.
Nearly a quarter (23%) of the mums polled said they were forking out up to £250 per month in childcare costs, 24% said they shell out between £250 and £750 per month, while 9% pay over £750 per month.
The survey revealed flexible working was top of parents' agendas - half of those who were not working said that the lack of appropriate (57%) or available (53%) flexible jobs presented further barriers for their return to work.
They cited flexible hours for full time jobs, regular work at home and the offer of part-time jobs as the three factors that made a company family friendly - flexi-hours ranked as the most important aspect (76%), even surpassing part-time hours which was also rated important for two thirds of the respondents.
But more than two thirds of workers (69%) agree that their job is flexible - more than three quarters (77%) found their employer was supportive when they returned to work.
Just over half (53%) of those who requested flexible or part-time working upon their return to work felt they got what they had requested or had reached a good compromise.

 http://www.workingmums.co.uk/survey2010