The number of childcare centres declaring bankruptcy has already almost doubled this year to 85, according to figures from the Chamber of Commerce.

In the whole of 2012, 49 childcare centres went bankrupt.

In addition, 512 centres closed in the first six months of this year, compared with 737 over the whole of 2012.

Sector organisation Kinderopvang told the Telegraaf it recognises this picture. The number of children attending the centres is decreasing.

‘On the one hand, childcare tax breaks are being cut,’ a spokesperson told the Telegraaf. ‘On the other hand, parents are losing their jobs and after three months the childcare tax break stops.’