William Eichler 17 January 2019

Early years workers ‘struggling financially'

Childcare workers are struggling financially and many are forced to claim state benefits, an education think tank has found.

An analysis of the childcare workforce in England by the Education Policy Institute has revealed a picture of a sector under great strain.

It found that pay is low both in relative and absolute terms. The childcare workforce earned an average hourly pay of £8.20 in 2018 - around 40% less than the average female worker.

The analysis also found that 44.5% of childcare workers, who are predominantly female, claim state benefits or tax credits. This is more than in competing occupations, such as hairdressers and beauticians, as well as the female working population as a whole (34%).

The sector has suffered a pay reduction of nearly 5% in real terms since 2013. Real-terms pay decreases mean that childcare workers’ pay was virtually the same as that of hairdressers and beauticians.

The childcare sector is also struggling to recruit qualified carers, according to the EPI’s findings.

In 2018, 25.1% of the childcare workers had completed a degree, 36% A levels or equivalent, and 24.4% GCSEs or below. By contrast, around 93% of teachers have a degree or equivalent.

The EPI also discovered that employers were providing their carers with fewer opportunities for training.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner