Recognising employers childcare support for staff

Employers have the chance to have their childcare support for staff recognised thanks to the Employer of the Year Award for Staff Childcare Support, which will be presented at the Childcare Stars Awards 2005 on 29 June 2005 at Shakespeareís Globe in London.

The special award recognises the work undertaken by employers to support their staff with their childcare needs, ranging from providing childcare information, to onsite nursery provision, childcare vouchers schemes and flexible working arrangements for staff.

This is the second year of the award, which is sponsored by Sodexho Pass and presented in association with media partner Human Resources magazine. Last year the award was won by the NHS, who are the biggest employer in Europe, providing more childcare support for staff than any other employer. The award was in recognition of the work undertaken by the NHS Workforce Development Confederations in London, who created a significant number of childcare places, which directly enabled more NHS staff to stay in work and attracted new employees.

Anne Longfield, Chief Executive at 4Children said, ìAn ever increasing number of parents, including more women than ever before, are trying to balance the pressures of work and family life. Forward looking employers are realising that providing childcare support for staff helps business and is good for staff. In turn, employees have peace of mind about their childcareî.

To reward the best employer for staff childcare support, nominate yourself, or someone else, to be a childcare star. Go to www.4Children.org.uk/Stars for a nomination form or call the 4Children information line on 020 7512 2100. Deadline for nominations is 31 March 2005.