My husband is self-employed in a moderately low paid role (just under national average salary) but one he loves and works hard at. He works full time hours and submits a tax return every year. I am an employee on just above the average national salary on PAYE. We are having our first baby this summer.
AIBU to be concerned that we will no longer be entitled to free childcare when our child turns 3 because we do not as a couple fit into the 'employee' category? The announcements today emphasise that both parents must be 'working' to qualify. I think this will exclude us even though my DH does work full time and so do I.
I will be quite annoyed if this is the case because it will mean missing out on the 15 hours that we are currently entitled to as it is universal.
What about SAHM? I know they don't need childcare, but many children have benefited from the social and educational aspects of the 15 hours and there is evidence that teachers have found children to be better prepared for school due to the improved access to early years education.
Already it feels like we are not entitled to very much...tax credits, paternity pay, shared parental leave....all because my husband is self-employed. I just feel that his employment status is not as respected and it pisses me off. He works hard, pays tax on time, doesn't take the micky with his expenses, declares every single penny of his earnings, and pays full NI. He would not be able to get a PAYE job in his field because they simply don't exist.
Life is already going to be harder for us compared to our friends who earn much more and live in the same expensive city, but they are PAYE so can apparently earn up to £150k and still be eligible for free childcare. I was counting on the free 15 hours to see us through to school years and have saved for childcare so I can go back full time (no choice) for up to age 3.