West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged the Government to help owners of early years care centres who may be affected by recent increases to the minimum living wage.

And Harriett raised the concerns of organisations like Madresfield Early Years Centre which risk being out of pocket following the decision to increase wages for lower paid workers.

Parents of children aged between three and four are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare. The MP quizzed the Department for Education on what plans it has to help business owners who provide early years care when the pay rise comes into effect in April.

Wages for people aged over 25 will go up by six per cent but this will present an additional burden on employers. Harriett asked if Education Secretary Gavin Williamson had plans to help businesses who provide vital care for young people.

Harriett commented: “Nurseries like Madresfield Early Years Centre do a great job offering children a place to start their learning and the Government has backed this by offering funding for three years of early years care.

“While the increase in the National Living Wage is great news for lower paid workers, it does present challenges for some employers and I am aware of how this will impact the local early years care provision.

“I am confident that both the Department for Education and the Treasury are looking into this matter and I hope that the Budget will bring some positive news for local employers.”