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The new work and pensions secretary David Blunkett this week urged men to consider a career in childcare as he launched National Childcare week, writes Clare Jerrom.

Blunkett said men had a vital role to play in childcare and said it could help them to care for their own children while providing a positive role model for children from an early age.

"Only two per cent of those currently working in childcare are men, yet there is much they can give to the profession and that it can give to them," the former home secretary said.

Blunkett's comments were made as the Department for Education and Skills launched a national campaign to attract more people into childcare, particularly men.

The campaign, running throughout June, will emphasise how much men have to offer to this profession while also appealing to other under-represented groups to get involved such as people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.