GRANDPARENTS can be a lifesaver when it comes to childcare.
But new figures suggest that they're providing more support than ever before, saving working parents an average of £16bn a year.
In a report conducted by the Insurer Ageas in partnership with Think Tank ILC-UK, it is estimated that some nine million grandparents make up the UK's "grandparent army" of child carers.
According to the report, grandparents spend an average of eight hours a week looking after their grandchildren so as parents can go to work.
However this raises questions as to whether grandparents are being taken for granted and perhaps not enjoying their retirement to the full as a result.
When we asked our readers on Facebook for their thoughts on the recent study there was a mixed response.
One user Emma Clough posted: "I've known people be taken advantage of because two parents suddenly want a career, then grandparents are left in retirement looking after kids that aren't theirs when they should be doing things they planned years ago!"
Grandparents under state pension age who look after grandchildren are currently entitled to National Insurance credits, but those who are retired often don't expect anything in return.
Johnny Moore for example posted: "Any loving and caring grandparents would look after their own grand kids and not expect a penny. Something wrong with the ones that don't."
There is still no denying that many parents couldn't survive without the help of grandparents, especially those with special needs children.
Claire Grove posted: "Without the support from my parents that look after their disabled granddaughter, I wouldn't be able to go out to work. There is no 'childcare' for disabled young adults."
Action for Children’s head of policy and research, Eleanor Briggs, said:"We should remember also that grandparents aren’t simply childcare providers. They can play a crucial role in helping a child’s development and learning so they and their families deserve much more support."
For more information on free support services available contact Action for Children on 01229 821 855
Read More:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here