Why fears over future of nurseries risks widening gender gap in Leeds - the YEP says

Childcare provision is vital to economic recovery so mums can go back to work, the TUC warns.

But it predicts that many mothers could lose their jobs or pay as they struggle to balance work if the childcare they have relied on suddenly becomes unavailable.

The Yorkshire Evening Post revealed only last month that, after nearly two decades, the gender gap remains as wide as ever in Leeds.

Yet today’s stark warning could put that gender gap even further back if childcare provision does collapse.

Women’s jobs are effectively being put on the line - and it’s an unfair decision many could be forced to take.

Everyone is all too aware of the very real challenges our economy faces as it looks to recover from this crisis.

Leeds prides itself on being named the country’s first Women- Friendly City - and we can’t afford for the gender gap to grow even wider.