News / Childcare Crisis
Call for people in Bristol to turn out to protest ‘appalling’ childcare crisis
“Childcare providers are falling like dominos, mothers are dropping out of the workforce in droves, the gender pay gap increased in 2021, and more families are living in poverty.”
This is the stark message from coordinators of Bristol’s March of the Mummies event who are calling on people across the city to mobilise in protest at the cost of childcare crisis facing parents across the UK.
Part of a national day of action, organised by Pregnant Then Screwed, the march on Saturday will call for systematic reform of what has been dubbed a “broken system” with demands for good quality, affordable childcare to enable parents to return to work, as well as flexible working as a default.
is needed now More than ever
Taking place from 10.30am until 2pm, the protest will start and finish at College Green with speeches, music, children’s entertainment and a chance for people to come together in solidarity as a city.
Mhairi Threlfall, a former Labour councillor and coordinator of the Bristol march, says: “Childcare providers are falling like dominos, mothers are dropping out of the workforce in droves, the gender pay gap increased in 2021, and more families are now living in poverty. Have you had enough yet?
“These are political choices made by our Government and the only way we make them listen is if we organise. We want Bristol’s parents and supporters of this issue to come out in their droves to demand the issue is addressed by central government.
“These issues have a significant impact on the lives and livelihoods of families and we want the Government to acknowledge these issues and set out a plan for action. Please join us, we need you.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkGA5F8sxUF/
Taking to Twitter about the issue, Threlfall said: “Childcare in the UK is some of the most expensive in the world. It blocks social mobility and hurts the economy.
“I am angry and exhausted having gone through this over the last few months with my son.”
Bristol’s protest will take place alongside simultaneous events in ten other cities across the UK. People joining the march are encouraged to dress in Halloween fancy dress.
Pregnant Then Screwed sets out three demands to the prime minister:
- Good quality affordable childcare for all children
- Flexible working as the default
- Ring-fenced, properly paid parental leave for all parents
Organisers say this is a chance for Bristol “to shine a light on the UK’s appalling record in providing for families”.
Find out more via: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/march-of-the-mummies-2022-bristol-tickets-393019490877
Main photo: Depth and Field Photography
Read next:
- The cost of childcare crisis in Bristol uncovered
- ‘These families need support’ – The cost of childcare crisis in Barton Hill
- ‘I’m basically working for free – everything I earn goes on childcare’
- Bristol campaign to highlight cost of childcare crisis
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