This report focuses on the relationship between the affordability of childcare for parents with children under five and maternal employment rates. We examine the international context with the aim of understanding which mothers are working, and why other mothers are not; the barriers to employment; and how the price of childcare has affected these. We then present new evidence based on modelling different employment scenarios: for example the economic return for families and to the Treasury of increasing the maternal employment rate in the UK. Finally we consider some policy ideas - for policymakers (local and national), and employers. (author abstract)