Childcare

This Conference notes that childcare is a barrier to the involvement of women in the Fire Brigades Union due to the majority of women members being the primary carer. Following the "Childcare Policy Review" carried out by the National Treasurer and agreed at the Executive Council as laid out in circular 2004H0C0315DW, this Conference notes that whilst this is a progressive move, it still falls short of the Fire Brigades Union assuming financial responsibility for all costs incurred by Officials due to childcare. The current ceiling imposed is restrictive and does not take into account the costs for overnight care for children. This Conference calls on the Executive Council to remove the maximum limit imposed and to commit the Fire Brigades Union to full reimbursement of all reasonable costs incurred by Officials, Representatives and members whilst undertaking Fire Brigades Union business and activities, in regard to childcare provided by a registered childminder.