Only 3 per cent of private companies offer on-site creche services or childcare support, compared with 27 per cent of employers in the public sector, said the survey by Human Resources magazine and Accor services, which provides childcare vouchers.
As a result, the public sector fares comparatively well in terms of mothers returning to work, with more than three-quarters of organisations reporting that three in four women come back to the workplace after having a child. The private sector lags behind at 58 per cent.
The survey also found that private sector companies had dragged their heels over introducing policies to support 'work-life balance'. Less than a quarter had such policies in place and 11 per cent did not even recognise the balance in principle. Only a third of private sector organisations offer support for staff who care for children who have special needs or have elderly relatives. In the public sector, however, all the organisations questioned recognised that a work-life balance is essential, and 71 per cent had formal policies in place.
Chris Crang, Accor services marketing and business manager, said, 'Whether an organisation is trying to attract new staff or retain existing employees, having an effective work-life balance strategy is vital to remain competitive. A flexible approach is the only way forward.'
Flo Armstrong, business development manager of nursery group Kids Unlimited, who formerly developed childcare for HSBC, said she believed employers' attitudes had changed, even if this had not yet translated into statistics. She said, 'It's becoming much more recognised that work-life balance is crucial, and more employers see the importance of childcare schemes as part of that. Employers need to look at the reasons people are leaving and where they are having problems recruiting.
'I think it will change over the next few years.'
