Increased efficiency in childcare facilities has enabled nearly 10,000 mothers to increase their employment or even return to full-time employment and close the gap in skilled workers. This should bring almost no additional costs.
Despite the economic downturn, all sectors are currently looking for good employees. At the same time, nearly 50 percent of working women only work part-time. This is a top value in Europe and often only involuntary because too many mothers among them do not have a good preschool nearby or the opening hours are too short to be able to work full time. For example, only 24.5% of three-year-olds are cared for for at least 30 hours a week, which is an embarrassing 23rd place in the EU (see chart below on the kindergarten gap).
“In Austria, the percentage of childcare has increased, but it has also been the case in other countries, so the gap has not changed,” said Moniak Köppl-Turyna, head of the EcoAustria research institute. However, with their new proposed solution, women could have better job opportunities.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
