Women’s Budget Group press release: Mothers on the lowest incomes are nine times more at risk of losing their job due to school closures in the UK

New data analysis shows the pressures facing families over school closures and managing paid work. Parents on lower incomes are reporting significant financial implications of school closures with nine times more parents on the lowest incomes reporting risk of losing their job, compared to higher-income parents.

This is according to the January 2021 analysis from Women’s Budget Group, Fawcett Society, Women’s Budget Group Northern Ireland, Women’s Equality Network Wales, Close the Gap and Engender.  

The data analysis finds that:

  • Parents on the lowest incomes are nine times more likely to report risk of losing their job due to school closures in the UK
  • Twice as many mothers report they would have to take time off with no pay due to school closures or a sick child as fathers (15% of mothers compared to 8% of fathers). 
  • 57% of fathers compared to 49% of mothers report they would be able to work from home during school closures. 
  • Overall, 4% of parents report being at risk of losing their job if schools close and no additional support is in place for childcare.

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