To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government are taking to reduce the disincentive to provide childcare vouchers arising from employers' liability to pay for the cost of childcare vouchers in the last six months of maternity leave. (262238)

I have been asked to reply.

No such steps are planned. The provision of childcare vouchers through the Employer Supported Childcare (ESC) scheme already offers significant rewards to employers. Employers offering ESC currently save £130 million in national insurance contributions each year, and an attractive package of benefits, of which childcare can be an important part, improves staff retention, ensures access to a wider recruitment pool, reduces absenteeism and leads to a more motivated workforce.