Many firms ‘will be encouraged’ by Labour’s plans to create school-based nurseries, says CBI

The Labour leader has announced plans to introduce a new childcare policy to help parents, especially women to rejoin the workforce.

Sir Keir Starmer has revealed that if they are elected in next months general election, Labour will create 3,300 school based new nurseries in empty classrooms.

Labour has said that this will help to boost early education for toddlers and could help as many as 750,000 women  back to work.

Labour has argued that in doing so this will boost their working hours and also help with a reduction of economic activity which is currently being witnessed across the UK.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) who “serve as a catalyst between industry and government” as described on their website, have welcomed Labour’s announcement.

Louise Hellem, CBI Chief Economist, said on Monday, “Labour and skills shortages remain some of the biggest challenges facing businesses, and removing barriers to the labour market has to be a priority for any party with ambitions to grow the economy.

Businesses recognise that childcare costs continue to prevent many parents, especially women, from rejoining the workforce or taking on more hours, causing them to lose out on valuable talent.

“It’s the reason the CBI has long campaigned for fundamental reform of the childcare system. That’s why many firms will be encouraged to hear Labour’s plans to expand places.

“A political consensus on the importance of childcare is welcome and needs to be matched with a plan for increasing the childcare workforce.”

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson defended Labour’s move and said that this will enable parents the “access to childcare they’re entitled to.”

She said, “Labour’s childcare expansion could empower thousands more women, who want to get back to work or extend their hours, to take that step.

“Women are worse off than they’ve been in years and can’t get the childcare hours that they were promised by the Tories.

“Labour will create thousands of nurseries across the country to ensure parents can access the childcare they’re entitled to and make work pay for mums.

“Labour will roll up our sleeves to deliver for parents, improve children’s life choices and rebuild Britain.”