Childcare problems are the number one reason employees miss work, leave early or arrive late, according to human resource consultants Mercer.

Speaking at a briefing for employers in Dublin last week, Ms Aisling Kennedy of Mercer said creches were only one of a range of measures that employers could consider. "Other options include childcare vouchers and the provision of paid time-off when a child or childminder is ill, or a back-up childcare service when normal childcare arrangements are disrupted."

Ms Kennedy explained that supporting employees could be as simple as providing information on childcare facilities or compiling a register of childminders for employees.