A study has revealed the summer holidays will cost construction workers a significant amount due to childcare costs…
On average construction workers will lose around £1,300 during the summer holidays due to the cost of childcare. In the capital this figure is higher, standing at around £1,850.
The poll carried out by constructaquote.com comprised of 2,978 Britons over 18, all of whom work in the construction industry. Participants were drawn from different parts of the country to gain a varied sample.
Respondent who took part in the study had at least one child between the age of four and 12. Additionally, each respondent had a partner in full time employment. They also revealed they did not receive sick or holiday pay from their employer.
The study used the data collected from these respondents to gauge how much money has been lost to-date as a result of the summer holidays and how this varied between regions.
The study asked respondents if they had been forced to take any time off in the summer holidays so far due to childcare responsibilities. A total of 83 per cent said they had. The average time taken by each construction worker so far this summer was around five days.
A total of 52 per cent said they had the option of hiring outside help to look after their children, rather than taking days off. However, they were not prepared to pay for the cost of childcare.
When asked why they had taken time off rather than their partner, 37 per cent said it was because they earned less.
A total of 21 per cent said it was not possible for their partner to take childcare duties as they worked shift patterns and needed the day to rest.
Respondents were asked to estimate how much money they lost as result of taking off unpaid time. On average £1,130 was lost per worker. This rose to £1,850 for construction workers in London.
CEO of constructaquote.com Lyndon Wood said: “This study really does show the rising cost of childcare and it’s worrying that workers are willing to refuse paid work in order to look after their children rather than pay for childcare.
“For those lucky enough to have close friends and family nearby that are happy to look after children at a discounted rate or for free, it may seem ludicrous that workers need to take time off during the school holidays, but it is the sad reality for many working families.
“Having said that, spending quality time with your children during their long-awaited summer is something that money really can’t buy.
“If it comes to taking a few days unpaid to enjoy the sunshine with the children rather than sending them to an overpriced childcare establishment, I know which one I’d rather choose!”