Recruitment firm offers $10,000 annual childcare payment to employees

Childcare costs are out of control in Australia and one firm wants to do something about it by offering a $10,000 childcare subsidiary to employees.

And they will offer it for every child an employee has, every year, until the child is four.

The bold initiative was launched by u&u Recruitment Partners last week, with managing director Craig Sneesby declaring that the first-of-its-kind subsidiary is aimed at helping families ease the financial pain that comes with having a child and making it easier for them to return to work and progress their careers.

It’s one of the most generous financial incentive packages for families we have seen. While some firms offer bonus structures upon returning to work or one-off payments to support the costs associated with bringing a new child into their lives, the fact that this initiative aims to support parents every year is truly game-changing.

Sneesby made the announcement on LinkedIn, highlighting the toll that childcare costs are having on parents in Australia and “forcing many families to make the difficult decision to not return to work”.

He said that with one-quarter of their workforce currently raising children, the subsidy will not only support their workforce but also inspire others to do their bit.

“I believe it will have a huge impact on the ongoing battle to reduce the gender pay gap. I hope we are the spark that ignites many organisations to extend their commitment to their hard-working staff well beyond a parental leave policy,” he said.

He said on the announcement that the program bolsters their paid parental leave scheme and aims to help with the financial strain of childcare—ultimately enhancing staff well-being and future job satisfaction.

Sneesby made the announcement at the firm’s office alongside Claire Riley and her son Archie.

Riley, a resourcer at u&u, said the initiative will make a huge difference to families, and thanked Sneesby for showing leadership in the space.

The Subsidised Childcare Program offers up to $10,000 in gross income support per annum per child, and runs for up to four years, providing sustained assistance to employees who are balancing work and family responsibilities.

The recruiter has grown to more than 750 team members since launching in 2010, with a presence across Australia and London.

This article was first published by Women’s Agenda.