In the Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed employer’s NICs will rise by 1.2 percentage points to 15 per cent from April next year.
Many early years providers have warned that any increases which are not covered by a rise in funding rates for the expanded childcare offer will lead to them having no choice but to raise fees for parents in order to keep their businesses from closure.
Moreover, findings from a Nursery World survey published this week suggest Budget measures could deepen the sector’s longstanding recruitment and retention crisis, affecting settings’ ability to take part in the expanded hours offer and putting the policy at risk.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here
