Only 3 per cent of private companies offer on-site creche services or childcare support, compared with 27 per cent of employers in the public sector, said the survey by Human Resources magazine and Accor services, which provides childcare vouchers.
As a result, the public sector fares comparatively well in terms of mothers returning to work, with more than three-quarters of organisations reporting that three in four women come back to the workplace after having a child. The private sector lags behind at 58 per cent.
The survey also found that private sector companies had dragged their heels over introducing policies to support 'work-life balance'. Less than a quarter had such policies in place and 11 per cent did not even recognise the balance in principle. Only a third of private sector organisations offer support for staff who care for children who have special needs or have elderly relatives. In the public sector, however, all the organisations questioned recognised that a work-life balance is essential, and 71 per cent had formal policies in place.
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