Can the return to work be worth while for someone on a low salary or will childcare costs prove prohibitive? Raisingkids.co.uk's guest expert Denise Robertson offers advice on childcare costs and returning to employment.

Raisingkids member's problem
I want to go back to work, but I'm not sure it's worth my while. I used to earn £13,500 a year in my job when I worked full-time. Childcare where I live is so expensive that I might end up working just to pay someone else to look after my kid. Is there any way around this or any help available from the government?

Denise Robertson's advice
You need to investigate all your options and make sure you are happy with your childcare arrangements.

You can seek advice on childcare through Sure Start, www.surest art.gov.uk. This is a Government programme which aims to achieve better outcomes for children, parents and communities by supporting parents in their aspirations towards employment. You will be able to discuss your childcare concerns with Sure Start and they will be able to advise you of your options. They will also be able to advise you on whether you are eligible for financial help to ease the cost of childcare.

It is really important that you put good childcare in place, as you’ll only be worrying constantly if you and your child are not happy with the arrangements. If you have family members that can help, that could be a great way of keeping the costs down. The key is to make sure that whatever arrangements you make give you absolute security. That way, it will be easier to keep your mind on your work.