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Fifth WM People podcast out
The fifth episode of the WM People podcast is out with a focus on Budget analysis, single parents and Mother’s and Father’s Day.
The fifth episode of the WM People podcast has just landed, covering analysis of the Budget, challenges facing single parents and a reflection on Mother’s Day – and why it may be difficult for some people.
The podcast, hosted by Ben Falk, editor of workingdads.co.uk, and Mandy Garner, editor of workingmums.co.uk, saw a detailed discussion of the childcare announcements in this month’s Budget, from the extension of the ‘free’ 30 hours a week [in term time] for three and four year olds in England to one and two year olds over the next two years to upfront payments for childcare provision under Universal Credit.
Ben and Mandy charted the rollercoaster ride that many parents experienced, from excitement that their fees might come down to realisation that it was all being phased in over a two-year period so probably wouldn’t affect them and that it could irreparably harm childcare providers if, as looks likely, the ‘free’ hours are not fully funded by the Government.
There was also discussion of the wider context of getting people back to work that drove the Budget focus on both parents and older workers. Last week was also Single Parent’s Day. With single parents being disproportionately affected by other moves in the Budget, such as the toughening of the benefits sanctions regime and by cost of living pressures, the podcast discussed a new report on the impact of being a single parent on lifetime earnings, given the greater likelihood of having to work part time due to childcare costs and availability.
And finally, the podcast reflected on Mother’s Day 2023 and anticipated Father’s Day in June and asked how meaningful the days are for different people depending on their parent-child relationships and whether, for instance, they have been adopted or their mother has died.
You can catch up with discussion on Apple, Spotify, or your podcast app of choice.
This week’s episode is produced and edited by Honey Wyatt.
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