Workforce suffers as 3,000 Irish mums a year are forced to leave

As a result of high childcare costs, 3,000 new mothers leave the workforce every year as they struggle to meet childcare payments, while over 8,000 are forced to find a placement which offers more flexible working hours.

According to a new study, businesses are suffering as a result of this development.

Results indicate that companies lose in excess of €68 million as they attempt to replace lost skills, with Jacqueline de Rojas, Area vice president, Northern Europe, Citrix saying: "There is a huge pool of female talent being lost every year because of the high costs of childcare in Ireland."

Commenting on the effect this has had on the economy, Ms. de Rojas said: "This is a critical issue for the economy as evidenced by the estimated €68 million being spent by firms replacing women who would have liked to remain working."

Almost 70% of the 900 women surveyed have called for the introduction of legislation which would see a subsidy for childcare costs.