The Luxembourg government is moving forward with plans to liberalise shop opening hours, allowing stores to open earlier in the morning, stay open later in the evening, and operate on Sundays.
However, this proposed change has raised concerns among working parents, particularly those employed in the retail sector, who are now questioning how they will manage childcare if their workdays extend until 10pm.
This issue is especially challenging for single parents, many of whom rely on crèches for childcare. While these facilities may be authorised to operate between 5am and 11pm, few currently offer such extended hours.
According to Paolo Fiorucci, vice-president of the Luxembourg Federation of Childcare and Education Services (FELSEA), extending crèche hours is not a viable option for most providers. The costs associated with longer operating hours are prohibitively high, and finding staff willing to work extended shifts is difficult. As a result, many crèches may struggle to meet the growing demand for evening childcare services as shop opening hours become more flexible.
Fiorucci explained that running a stand-alone crèche with extended hours would not be realistic due to the financial burden it would place on both the facility and the parents. For the few children who might need care during these extended hours, the additional costs could be prohibitive for families. However, he suggested that larger groups operating multiple crèches might consider offering extended hours at one location, directing parents in need of evening care to that specific facility.
Héloïse Pierre, director of a group of crèches and homes, understands the challenges faced by working parents. She opened her first facility in Foetz 13 years ago, prioritising flexible hours from the outset. Having moved to Luxembourg from Belgium without family support, she recognised the importance of accommodating parents’ unpredictable schedules. Her crèches offer extended hours to provide peace of mind to parents who may encounter traffic jams or other delays.
“We often receive calls from desperate parents stuck in traffic,” Pierre said. “We can reassure them by saying, ‘Don’t worry, we’re here. Shall we give your child something to eat? Or get them into their pyjamas?’”
In December 2024, data revealed that 4% of children were enrolled in a crèche after 7pm at least once a week, while a significantly higher percentage – 16% – were enrolled for care before 7am. Pierre highlighted a new trend observed particularly at the Leudelange site. She noted that, especially among civil servants, there was a noticeable shift towards arriving much earlier in the day, enabling them to pick up their children earlier as well.
Many of these parents are cross-border workers, Pierre explained. By starting their workday earlier, they manage to avoid both morning and evening traffic congestion. “I think it’s an interesting new phenomenon,” she said.
Contrary to common assumptions, the demand for flexible childcare hours is not limited to healthcare professionals. Pierre pointed out that employees from various sectors also require such services. This includes staff in the cleaning industry, workers from the POST group, and canteen personnel, for instance those who prepare meals for children in crèches.
The issue of weekend childcare presents another challenge. Currently, all crèches remain closed on Sundays, leaving families with limited options. In December 2024, only ten crèches or mini-crèches were open on Saturdays. Additionally, while 38% of childminders provided care on Saturdays, just 10% offered services on Sundays.
Read also:
Looking for a crèche for your little one?
Private versus public: parents share their journey in finding the right crèche in Luxembourg
