What does backup childcare as an employee benefit actually cover?

It typically covers in-home childcare by vetted babysitters or nannies when an employee's usual childcare falls through - for example, nursery closures, childminder illness, school inset days or a nanny taking holiday. Some programmes also cover holiday clubs, nursery or childminder backup, and eldercare. The exact scope depends on the provider and what the employer chooses to fund.

How much does it cost to offer backup childcare as an employer?

Costs vary depending on the provider, headcount and the size of the care allowance offered. The commercial structure typically involves an annual service fee based on headcount, plus a monthly invoice based on actual care hours used by employees. Since not all eligible employees will use the benefit in any given month, the effective cost is usually lower than the headline rate suggests.

Is backup childcare a taxable benefit in kind?

This will depend on how the benefit is structured. Bubble provides employers with a monthly PAYE report to assist payroll teams with benefit-in-kind calculations. For specific tax advice relevant to your organisation, speak to your payroll team or tax adviser.

Which employees can use the backup childcare benefit?

Typically, any employee who registers with their work email address can access the benefit. Employers can define eligibility based on employment status, seniority level or other criteria if needed. The benefit is most used by parents of children aged 0-12, but the platform itself is available to any employee who registers.

How quickly can employees book childcare through Bubble for Work?

Bubble operates on an on-demand model. On average, eight carers apply to every job posted, and care can be booked with less than 30 minutes' notice in most areas. This makes it genuinely useful for unexpected childcare emergencies, not just advance planning.