PA
A survey of working mums claims that benefit cuts have forced one in four mums to quit work because they cannot afford spiraling childcare costs.
Research undertaken by the website workingmums.co.uk revealed that 24 had cut back on their hours.
Changes to the sums parents can claim towards the cost of childcare through the Working Tax Credit were cut from 80 last year, at an estimated average cost of £436 a year per family.
Eligibility for working Tax Credit was also changed, with couples with children now having to work at least 24 hours a week between them, up from 16 hours, before they can claim.
Gillian Nissim, founder of Working mums.co.uk, said the survey showed that 'for a sizeable number of women tax credits mean the difference between working and not working.' She added: 'Recent surveys suggest childcare costs are only likely to increase. Losing experienced women from the workforce cannot be good for business or the economy.'
Do you agree?
Have you reduced your working hours - or even quit your job - because of childcare costs and benefit cuts?