Nursery World - By popular demand

Nannies getting poached? Parents gazumping each other? Helen Kewley hears tales from the jobs jungle Since the introduction of the pilot nursery voucher scheme nearly a decade ago, nannies have complained that there are fewer jobs on the market. But agency owners will attest that there is still a demand for the experienced, professional nanny. Some nannies even find themselves in what others might call the envious position of being fought over by possible employers.

Since the introduction of the pilot nursery voucher scheme nearly a decade ago, nannies have complained that there are fewer jobs on the market. But agency owners will attest that there is still a demand for the experienced, professional nanny. Some nannies even find themselves in what others might call the envious position of being fought over by possible employers.

Parents have resorted to the housebuyer's ploy of gazumping - offering more money than a rival buyer - while others have invited a nanny to leave a current employer and come and work for them, better known as poaching.

While it is incredibly flattering to find you are so highly rated that people will compete for your services, none of the nannies I've met with these experiences actually enjoyed it while it was happening.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included