Is childcare holding working mums back? The figures reveal just how much it's costing families

New research finds 91% of working parents say childcare has affected their careers, as families call for more support ahead of the Autumn Budget.

Mother helps her son put on his backpack before going to school

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Published: October 26, 2026 at 12:42 PM

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Working parents are being forced to cut their hours, turn down promotions and even leave their jobs altogether because of childcare pressures, according to new research from childcare app Bubble.

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The findings come as families navigate October half-term, with the Autumn Budget due on Wednesday, 28 October. The research highlights how the cost and availability of childcare are affecting parents’ ability to stay in work and progress in their careers.

Almost all working parents surveyed (99%) believe the Government needs to do more to help families manage childcare costs and remain in employment, with stronger flexible working rights topping their wish list.

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How childcare is affecting parents’ careers

The research found that 91% of working parents say childcare challenges have affected their employment or career progression.

For some, the impact has been significant. Almost a quarter (24%) have left a job altogether because of childcare difficulties, while 51% have reduced their working hours. One in five (20%) have turned down a job or promotion.

More than four in 10 parents (40%) have also considered leaving work or cutting their hours because of childcare challenges.

The disruption is not limited to career decisions. Eight in 10 working parents (80%) have lost at least one working day in the past year because childcare fell through. A third (34%) lost more than a working week, while 12% missed more than 20 working days.

The cost of childcare is adding to the pressure

For many families, finding childcare that fits around work is proving difficult, particularly during school holidays and outside standard nursery and school hours.

Nearly three quarters of working parents (73%) say childcare costs are one of their biggest challenges right now. More than half (54%) struggle to find childcare that fits around their working hours, including during school holidays.

The pressure is also taking an emotional toll. Almost seven in 10 parents (69%) identify burnout and the mental load of keeping family life running as one of their biggest challenges.

Meanwhile, 22% say they do not have enough flexibility over when or where they work, and 17% point to a manager or workplace culture that does not adequately support parents.

Childcare needs to be treated as something the economy depends on, not just a problem for parents to solve

Sarah Hesz, COO of Bubble and a working mum

What do parents want from the Autumn Budget?

With the Chancellor preparing to deliver the Autumn Budget, parents have highlighted several areas where they want the Government to make changes.

The most popular request is stronger flexible working rights, backed by 61% of those surveyed.

Other priorities include:

The figures suggest that parents are looking for support that reflects the realities of working life, from school holiday cover to unexpected changes in childcare arrangements.

Why childcare support matters for working mums

Sarah Hesz, COO of Bubble and a working mum, says the current pressures risk pushing talented people out of the workforce, particularly women.

She said: “Half term is already putting working parents under pressure, and with the Autumn Budget days away, the Chancellor has an opportunity to make a difference. Too many parents are cutting their hours, turning down opportunities or leaving work because childcare doesn't fit around their jobs. We're losing talented people from the workforce, mothers in particular.

“As a working mum, I know how difficult that juggle can be. Parents need childcare that works around their lives, including school holidays and outside normal working hours. Yet Tax-Free Childcare doesn't go far enough for families relying on flexible babysitters and back-up care. Childcare needs to be treated as something the economy depends on, not just a problem for parents to solve. The Chancellor needs to make support more affordable and help employers offer childcare benefits that keep parents in work.”

For parents balancing work with the demands of family life, the research highlights how childcare is about more than the monthly bill. Reliable, affordable care can also affect working hours, career opportunities and the ability to stay in employment.

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With 99% of surveyed parents calling for further Government action, the Autumn Budget will be an important moment for families hoping to see childcare support better reflect their needs.

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