Should grandparents be offered flexible benefits and childcare vouchers?
The fact that grandparents do not have an automatic right to flexible benefits or childcare vouchers to help care for children proves they are undervalued in the UK. This is according to charity Grandparents Plus, which has suggested Britain is lagging behind other EU countries when it comes to recognising the contribution made by elderly members of the family. Despite the fact that a third of mothers rely on help with childcare from grandparents, they have no right to request flexible working, tax credits or childcare vouchers. Commenting on Grandparents Plus” research, Marc Webber, chief operating officer at lifestyle site BeGrant.net, said grandparents shoulder a “huge responsibility” in taking care of children. “We believe it is high time their vital role was recognised,” he remarked. Earlier this year, the Department of Children, Schools and Families announced proposals for giving more recognition to grandparents. The government organisation, which has since been renamed the Depa
