Working parents crippled by childcare costs consider 'quitting job'

A fifth of working parents say they are considering reducing the amount of hours they work or even giving up their job entirely, due to the crippling costs of childcare, a study has revealed.

A survey by the charity, 4Children found that many of the 1000 parents asked were preparing to reduce spending on essentials this year because of the financial impact caused by childcare expenses.

More than two thirds of respondents said they paid for childcare, with one in five admitting they are contemplating leaving their job or at least reducing their hours.