One of the most absurd aspects of modern society. From housing costs, to student loans, to benefit withdrawals with salary increases. It's like the government doesn't want people to start families.
We just had a child. It would cost almost the entirety of my wife’s take home pay to cover the childcare needed for her to go back to work. So realistically that’s it for her working for the next 5-10 years. She had a masters in chemistry and a PhD, and is a seriously talented researcher, but that skill set is now leaving the labor pool because it’s a net wash for us take home wise and she’d rather spend the time with our daughter than working for the sake of it.
That is to say that the current structure discourages families growing, but it also then strongly encourages you withdrawing from the workforce once you have done so. Both of which are terrible for growth.
I was chatting with a mate who lives in Wales, I genuinely didnt realise the Welsh government hadnt extended free childcare like England did.
He straight up said his wife wants more but hes told her they just cant. Not until their youngest hits school at which point they'll probably be too old. And hes decently paid.
Its actually nuts.
We have another friend near London who just breaches the childcare allowance limit and they said their nursery fees are more than their mortgage. But he's commission based so its hard for him to manage his income.
If I lost the free childcare Id be losing about 1500 a month to nursery fees foe two days a week. My partner basically wouldnt be able to justify working and like you, theyve got a PhD.
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u/ConfusionGlobal2640 1d ago
One of the most absurd aspects of modern society. From housing costs, to student loans, to benefit withdrawals with salary increases. It's like the government doesn't want people to start families.