The Campaign to End Child Poverty teamed up with the Daycare Trust tobring the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, EdBalls, and Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain to a picnic in StJames Park, London.
The Trust was celebrating its 21st anniversary and the Campaign, made upof over 80 charities and organisations, was marking its publication ofEmployment and Childcare, the first of four key briefings papers.
The briefing paper notes that many children living in povertynevertheless have parents in work and urges the Government to makehigh-quality, affordable childcare available to all families so thatparents can not only find work but progress in careers.
Hilary Fisher, director of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, said,'Childcare is key to parents having a route out of poverty. Withoutaffordable childcare it makes it very difficult to find a job, keep ajob and get promoted. It's brilliant that Peter Hain has put childpoverty at the top of the agenda.'
Other recommendations in the briefing paper include increasing taxcredits and giving parents more opportunities to train and study.
