NI parents spend 50% salary on childcare

According to the Employers for Childcare Charitable Group, 62% of parents say that they face significant struggles to meet the costs

"Given the changes to tax credits in the last 18 months, more and more families are losing out on support with their childcare costs," a spokesperson for the organisation said.

"This, coupled with stagnant wages, places a greater disadvantage on working families."

Despite efforts by the government to encourage more people back into the workplace, some parents are being forced to ask if it pays for them to work - because of the cost of childcare.

The annual childcare bill for many parents across the region raises an important and challenging question - does it pay to work?

Employers for Childcare

Employers for Childcare Charitable Group offers advice to parents, employers and childcare providers and also lobbies the government for a better deal for working parents.

As part of the ongoing research carried out by the body, it conducts an annual anonymous survey of parents and their circumstances relating to childcare.

"Whether you use childminders, day nurseries, afterschool clubs, grandparents, siblings, a mix of all of the above, or simply can't afford childcare, we want to hear from you," the spokesperson added.

The group is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in this year's survey - the findings of which will be used to campaign for better financial assistance for working families.