Trade union study shows poverty pay is driving workers out of childcare
Reporter:
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The annual SIPTU Early Years Professionals’ survey has found that 43% of child care workers are actively seeking another job due to low pay levels in the sector.
The findings also show that 90% of workers struggle to make ends meet, 77% have no work sick pay scheme and just 10% receive paid maternity leave from their employer. Of the 26,882 staff who work directly with children, 98% are female.
The survey was completed in late 2020 by Dr Amy Greer Murphy, a social scientist who uses qualitative research to understand inequality and the impact of public policy on social and health outcomes.
More than three-quarters of childcare workers have no sick pay scheme and most feel undervalued during the pandemic.
A survey of more than 2,000 early years professionals published today reveals low morale and high levels of unhappiness with working conditions.
Some 86pc felt they were not recognised as professionals by society.
Only 11pc felt valued as frontline workers by the Government and 74pc said they found working during Covid-19 stressful.
Most childcare workers do not get paid maternity leave and pay for educational materials out of their own pocket, while just 22pc earn more than €12.30 an hour.
A total of 38pc are looking for a job in a different profession, according to the Early Years Professionals report by Dr Amy Greer Murphy for Siptu.