Parents on zero hours contracts may miss out on 30hrs free childcare
It has been confirmed by the government that half of the families will not be eligible for the 30hrs free childcare. For parents who are on zero hours contracts, this may mean they miss out on free childcare. Does this affect you? According to Shadow Education Minister, Angela Raynor fewer than half of the families eligible for the 15hrs free childcare will not be entitled to the increased hours.
It has been highlighted that to be eligible for the free 30hrs free childcare, working parents have to be earning the equivalent of 16 hours per week. For 25 years and over this is at either the national living wage or the national minimum wage for those aged 24 or under. Also if one parent of the family earns £100,00 or more, they also will not qualify.
For parents on zero hours contracts, this would be increasing difficult to earn the minimum earning, as hours may vary from week to week.
A government spokesperson has said families will need to reassess their circumstances every three months to see if they are eligible based on their income.
The 30hrs, free childcare scheme, is aimed at helping working parents with their childcare costs and helping parents return to work.