Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has spoken in the Scottish Parliament about the need for more flexible childcare arrangements with only 15% of nursery places dedicated to parents working full time.
Scotland has more women in work than any time in its history and the gap between male and female employment is the lowest anywhere in the G7. Additionally, record employment levels are being recorded across Perth and Kinross, Fife, Stirling and Clackmannanshire.
The Conservative MSP also called for a repeal of the birthday discrimination system which sees children born in the first part of the year receive fewer months of nursery provision than those in the latter.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“With more women in work than at any time in our history it’s time the Scottish Government started providing a childcare system that works for those in full time employment.
“I have personally experienced the birthday discrimination that exists within nursery provision, my daughter received seven terms’ funded education whilst my son only received five.
“Families across Mid-Scotland and Fife are dealing with the exact same pressures and the SNP must do better, otherwise some children, for no good reason, will miss out on the benefits brought from early education.
“Providing flexible nursery provision for Mid-Scotland and Fife parents is a necessity and the Scottish Government must match their rhetoric with action on childcare.”