Not paying for childcare this autumn as bills go up

[Essenceandvibes]

I've just had an epiphany.....I absolutely won't be paying a penny for childcare this autumn as bills increase and I won't be made to feel guilty about it either. I can work from home and watch my baby and pick up my 10 year old from school without the assistance of anyone else and if my employer has an issue with it, he can pay an extra £2000 per month post tax to cover the cost of full time help.

Our bills are going to be about £800 a month just electricity and gas alone for our detached 4 bed house, this isn't even thinking about the increase of petrol or groceries.

The mortgage has also gone up a few hundred quid too....childcare and commuting is now a luxury not necessity and I really hope every parent joins me in asking for employers like it or lump it

Shameful the government have let everything get this far, the knock on effects will be huge

Uh maybe just get a better paid job?

This is the problem with British people generally, your solution is to do a half assed job in both raising your kids and in your employment rather than better yourself.

I am referring to the OP. Not sure who she is anymore.

She's made loads of suggestions that we can't just sit back and accept this, and that we should be willing to risk our jobs by breaching our employments terms to stick to the man. That's an easy stance to take when you are in her (your?) position.

Interesting 'I feel it in my fingers...'

What country are you from, and how are you superior?

I was actually referring to you rather than the OP.

@Icanstillrecallourlastsummer

@FinneusMum Works for two hours a day often on a self employed basis so the thread does not really relate to her. Most people cannot WFH whilst raising small ones. That’s not to say that some couldn’t manage it, lots of variables obviously but clearly when you only work 2 hours you would never pay for childcare. That goes without saying.

I'm astounded that the OP has been banned 3 times and MNHQ hasn't pulled the thread 🤣

And, as I already explained, I wasn't referring to you but to the OP.

I wfh and couldn't do this in a way that would result in good work or good childcare. I tried during the pandemic and failed at both. That's having a relatively senior and relatively flexible job. I can't because I want to do a decent job at what I am doing (whether that's working or taking care of my child).

Being a parent is not a protected characteristic under the equality act, unless you are pregnant or on maternity leave.

@ReneBumsWombats was quoting my original post.

Being a childminder (I.e lone provider) this stresses me out. Let’s hope all my families don’t bail on me to care for their own children or I won’t be able to live..

You might, emphasis on might, be able to work from home and stop childcare if you then bought in cheaper, less experienced, less senior/responsible help?

ie you were the adult in "charge" but you had a babysitter in to have eyes on your baby while you were working. Responding to their every need, interacting, etc, etc

In order to fit with rules around payment of people and minimum wage, NI etc, etc you'd probably need 4 babysitters a day. 9-11, 11-1, 1-3 and 3-5.

What's the cheapest you could get away with paying someone where they aren't in sole charge and you are the responsible adult? Maybe £6-8?

Still expensive £48 - £64 a day.

I'm really not sure it's a good idea.

Protest probably IS a good idea - but this is not the right way to protest.

Joining existing campaigns for affordable childcare might be the way for you to go!

Yes, it's a whole industry, although it often rides on the coat tails of other industries that are more complex. Most people don't work in this field. Most people don't work in any one specific field, so it's a bit pointless extrapolating too far from it.

I'm not saying OP can't do what she's proposing. As contraire, I've said at least twice that given her role, I'm pretty sure she can.

But I don't think it applies to most people, which is why her "do what I do or you're just propping up the evil capitalists" battle cry is ringing extremely hollow.

I’m British and making the point that we as a nation are pretty weak minded. The ‘your’ was in reference to the OP and not to the general British public - excuse the poor grammar…

Should add that I’ve switched from my partner’s username as I didn’t realise it was set on theirs…

@FinneusMum

Semantics. Point still stands when you work 2 hours a day of course you’re not going to pay for childcare.

Most people cannot do what the OP is proposing and by failing to do so we are not just being pushovers to this government.

Cheers @FinneusMum interesting software concept. Will show my ds.

The point is you will be unable to give your baby and your job your full attention. Its no go I'm afraid.

@FinneusMum I'd suggest your situation is rather unique and doesn't apply to most.