If you have childcare responsibilities, you may face barriers to work including the cost of childcare, lack of suitable childcare locally, and the shortage of jobs offering 'family friendly' working hours e.g. part-time working and term-time work.
However, people with children who want to return to work can get financial and practical help with childcare. From tax credits to flexible working arrangements, there's lots of support available to make your life easier.
With careful planning and the right support, you can achieve a good balance between working and caring for your child. Though juggling childcare and work can be a challenge, your pattern of work can be adapted to suit your needs. Options include part-time and flexi-time working, job sharing or working from home.
The links on this page have lots of information and advice about maternity rights, nurseries, childminders, working from home, financial support and flexible working.