Child’s play? The pitfalls of a workplace creche

Garda vetting, financial implications and working hours must all be taken into account when setting up what is in effect a second business with different rules

A workplace creche can make it easier to balance childcare responsibilities with work Pic: Getty

Workplace creches for employees’ children may be relatively rare in Ireland, but they are an interesting innovation. They reflect a trend towards making it easier for parents to balance childcare responsibilities with earning an income.

Parental leave will have increased from 18 to 26 weeks by September next year. Paternity leave was introduced in 2018 for the first time in Ireland. There are plans to introduce a separate scheme of parental leave entitlements ...