Childcare Shortages Disrupt Lives of Working Parents in Germany

A new study reveals widespread closures and reduced hours in childcare facilities, disproportionately impacting mothers' careers.

A Hans-Böckler-Stiftung survey found that 44% of parents experienced childcare closures or reduced hours over a three-month period.
Nearly 4% of surveyed parents reported more than 10 days of childcare disruptions, while 22% faced two to five days of closures.
Reduced childcare availability forced 33% of fathers and 40% of mothers to cut work hours, with mothers bearing a larger share of the burden.
48% of mothers and 43% of fathers resorted to using vacation days or reducing overtime to manage childcare gaps.
Experts warn that ongoing disruptions could deepen gender inequalities in the workplace and call for significant investment in childcare infrastructure and staffing.