Rachel Mortimer, Daily Telegraph

In the run-up to #HMAwards22, we've been finding out more about our shortlisted rising star journalists. Today, Rachel Mortimer discusses her determination to highlight the cost of childcare and long-term implications on women’s income, and reveals she's a big hitter in a classic garden game.
Rachel Mortimer, Daily Telegraph
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Job-title & media organisation:

Personal Finance Reporter, Daily Telegraph

What are the main beats you cover?

Property, mortgages, childcare, scams and fraud

What was your reaction to making the shortlist?

Chuffed! There are so many talented journalists writing about money, so to be recognised meant a lot.

From your work so far, if you had to pick the story / feature / campaign you are most proud of, what would it be, and why?

I interviewed four women for a feature on the crippling cost of childcare last year, which is a topic I am really passionate about. They had different backgrounds, but all had been pushed out of the workplace or into debt by the UK’s dysfunctional attitude to childcare. It has serious long-term implications on women’s income, pensions and mental health, but the Government is yet to take it seriously.

What made you become a financial journalist?

It sort of happened by default, but I stayed on the personal finance beat because of how universally important it is - it applies to everyone, regardless of their bank balance.

2021 was undoubtedly a difficult year for everyone, but what were the particular challenges for you, as a relatively new ‘rising star' financial journalist?

Not being able to meet new contacts in person was a bit different. But overall it was a fascinating year to start covering personal finance - so much to write about and the opportunity to inform readers during a very uncertain time.

Finally, if you were up for an award for any hobbies/activities outside of work, what would you be likely to win, and why?

I’m a bit of a swingball purist. 

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