Press Story

Ahead of the publication of the latest UK unemployment figures, the think tank IPPR is warning that unemployment among women is set to increase. IPPR says growth is crucial to create more job opportunities but that the high cost of childcare is also a key barrier to women.

A new IPPR report published today argues that providing universal childcare is crucial to improve the UK's female employment rate. It shows that universal childcare pays for itself: each mother returning to work part-time on an average wage after a year's maternity leave would net the Treasury £4,860 over four years, in additional tax revenue. This rises to £20,050 if women work full-time.

The report shows that the employment rate of women with children in the UK is lower than most OECD countries - ranking 19th behind countries like Iceland, Sweden and Denmark, which have affordable, high-quality childcare provision.

IPPR analysis shows that female unemployment in the UK is likely to get worse, as the private sector is failing to fill the gaps left behind by public sector jobs cuts, especially in the north of England. The most recent figures show that the number of women out of work increased by 43,000 to 1.09 million, the highest level since February 1988. The North East and Yorkshire have seen particularly large increases to the number of women out of work. Over the last year female unemployment has increased by 23 per cent in the North East and 19 per cent in Yorkshire.

IPPR argues that the government should extend the new 'youth contract' to ensure a 'jobs guarantee' for everyone unemployed for more than a year. IPPR says these jobs should be created in local government and the voluntary sector and be paid at the minimum wage. IPPR argues that if people unemployed for more than a year refuse to work they should lose their benefits.

Nick Pearce, IPPR Director, said:

"It is far better for our economy to have people in work and paying taxes than at home claiming benefits. Women will return to work if we can re-start growth and give families access to free and high quality childcare. At a time of severe fiscal constraint, it is vital for Britain to focus resources where they will make the most difference - in helping families with the cost of living and strengthening the public finances over the long term."

Notes to Editors:

IPPR's new report - Making the case for universal childcare - is available in advance from the IPPR press office and will be available to download from:

http://ippr.org/publications/55/8382/making-the-case-for-universal-childcare

The latest unemployment figures can be found here http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_242614.pdf

IPPR North has set up the Northern Economic Futures Commission to develop a medium-long term strategy for jobs growth for the North. More details here http://www.ippr.org/research-projects/44/7405/northern-economic-futures-commission?siteid=ipprnorth

Contacts:

Richard Darlington, 07525 481 602, r.darlington@ippr.org

Tim Finch, 07595 920899, t.finch@ippr.org