World News for Students of English

09-06-2023 15:00

The UK government is facing challenges in making child care more affordable and getting more women back to work.

Previously, au pairs were a popular option for child care, offering reasonable prices, flexible assistance, and cultural experiences. However, since Brexit in January 2020, the au pair industry has been severely affected. Agencies have reported a drastic decline in business, up to 95%, due to stricter immigration rules for European citizens. As a result, families, especially women, have had to reduce their working hours due to the high costs of nurseries.

Before Brexit, there were approximately 90,000 au pairs in the UK, with many coming from European countries. However, the opportunities for au pairs to enter the UK have diminished. Currently, only a small group of individuals with settled or pre-settled status or those eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa can work as au pairs in the country.

Difficult words: drastic (very serious or extreme), diminish (to disappear), eligible (having the right to do or obtain something).

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