More than one third of Cork businesses have lost staff due to childcare issues

More than a third of Cork businesses have lost staff due to challenges and shortcomings in childcare, pointing to a need for employer-supported childcare models and corporate crèches.

That is according to a new report by Cork Chamber, which highlighted how gaps in childcare provisions are creating sustained operational challenges for employers across the region.

It noted that more than two-thirds of surveyed members did not consider the Irish childcare system as “fit for purpose.”

The report also found that 36% said childcare challenges have directly resulted in employees leaving the organisation or declining roles, with 57% saying shortcomings in childcare had a “moderate” or “significant” impact on their workforce.

In addition, three-quarters of respondents have seen an increased demand for flexible working arrangements as a result of childcare challenges, with 69% confirming they would consider supporting childcare through models such as corporate crèches or tax-incentivised partnerships with providers if appropriate Government incentives were introduced.

The report draws on insights from Cork Chamber members, HR professionals, and childcare providers, and identifies structural issues across affordability, availability, and staffing capacity.

“Cork’s economy is growing strongly, but childcare is increasingly impacting workforce participation,” Cork Chamber president Susie Horgan. “Over a third of employers are seeing staff leave or turn down roles due to childcare pressures, and 88% report a disproportionate impact on women’s participation and progression.”