Abstract

In Germany demographic developments suggest that in the future there will be a decline of the work force and a shortage of skilled labour supply. Promoting labour market participation of women is one strategy to moderate this effect. Since labour market participation of childless women is already at a high rate, mothers will be one target group. Existing cross-sectional data suggests a correlation between maternal employment and the use of child care. Therefore to increase maternal employment the improvement of public child care takes a key role. Child care is seen as a prerequisite for maternal employment.