A quarter of parents are forced to take unpaid leave to cover childcare

Almost a third of parents struggle to find childcare over the summer holidays (29%) and over a quarter are forced to take unpaid leave to look after their children.

36% find it difficult to get time off work in the summer to spend time with family, and 29% admit to dreading the summer holidays due to the stress of sourcing childcare - a survey by OnePoll on behalf of Cotton Traders found. 

A staggering 39% of parents miss out on summer events such as sports day, plays and early finishes - with work being responsible.

Half of the parents surveyed wish they could spend more time with their families during the summer break, and 28% of parents have to take separate days off to ensure someone is free to take care of the children.