13 May 2008
Although the number of stay-at-home mothers is decreasing in the UK, the majority of working parents would have chosen to have one partner at home if money were no object, new research from uSwitch reveals.
A total of seven out of ten respondents to a uSwitch survey said they would have preferred to raise their children at home, while 32% said they believe their kids would have a better quality of life if this decision had been made.
Higher taxes, utility bills and social contributions have hit disposable income levels severely, the comparison website explained. Meanwhile, the cost of raising a child is forecast to rise to more than £12,500 over the next four years.
Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said that "economic factors are taking away the choice" for many parents about whether to stay at home or return to work, adding: "As a result, both parents and children are losing out."
"Any initiatives introduced by the government that support parents wishing to return to work when they have children should be commended - but we also need to recognise that some parents would prefer to stay at home to look after their children, even if only during the early years," she added.
There are around 13.5 million working women in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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