Theirworld comments on the 2023 Autumn Statement

Sarah Brown, Chair of Theirworld, said:

“We are very disappointed that today’s autumn statement did not include the financial support needed to address the crisis in early years care for our youngest children.

“Whilst we welcome the increase in the national living wage, the extra support announced today is a drop in the ocean compared to what is needed to tackle the funding crisis facing providers.

“Although we believe that staff deserve a fair wage to reflect the incredible work they do, the reality is that without additional investment more nurseries will be forced to close their doors, spelling disaster for working families around the country.

“Today’s announcement was a missed opportunity by the Government to show that it is serious about giving children the best start in life. Theirworld is committed to campaigning for better early years support. Children deserve a better and brighter future.”

Further information

Independent research for Theirworld has revealed that one in four parents in the UK have had to quit their job or drop out of education to avoid expensive childcare costs.

UK parents also face a tougher struggle to afford nursery and childminder fees than their counterparts in the Netherlands, US, India, Brazil, Turkey and Nigeria, the poll shows.

A staggering 74% of UK parents say they find it difficult to meet childcare costs, compared to 52% in India, 57% in the Netherlands, 59% in Nigeria, 68% in the US and Brazil and 72% in Turkey.