Two thirds of parents fear they will not be able to pay their bills in six months' time, according to the Family and Parenting Institute and, of these, 18% blame the cost of childcare. But only 7% of parents plan to cut back on this cost showing for many there is no alternative.
The survey shows a third of parents wish they could be more vocal on flexible working policies and 29% want to have a bigger say on childcare.
Sally Gimson, director of communications at the Family and Parenting Institute, said: "Parents told us they want to be able to work flexibly. It makes a massive difference to their family life - and can help improve their financial situation by saving them money on childcare.
"In a recession, lots of small businesses are going to be expecting parents to work flexibly too - so it should be a two-way street. If businesses are concerned about the extra paperwork, they could offer flexible working to all staff, which would help them save time and money.
HR is campaigning for a single care voucher
For more information on flexible working see next month's issue of HR magazine, due to hit desks during the first week in March.
In a recession flexible working benefits both businesses and working parents
Businesses need flexible working to help them beat the credit crunch, according to the Family and Parenting Institute.
