Nursery World - Nursery nurses lament low pay

Nursery nurses are more likely to feel badly paid than any other occupational group involved in public service, according to a survey by Unison of its membership. Nevertheless, over half of them would recommend their career to others. The union's annual survey of its members' pay, conditions and opinions, published earlier in the summer, found that 83 per cent of nursery nurses felt they were badly paid. They saw pay as a key issue for the union to pursue on their behalf, followed closely by improved grading. More than half of the nursery nurses felt that a better deal for part-time workers was a priority.

The union's annual survey of its members' pay, conditions and opinions, published earlier in the summer, found that 83 per cent of nursery nurses felt they were badly paid. They saw pay as a key issue for the union to pursue on their behalf, followed closely by improved grading. More than half of the nursery nurses felt that a better deal for part-time workers was a priority.

The greater emphasis being placed on qualifications was reflected in high levels of training, as 80 per cent of the nursery nurses said they had undertaken work-related training or study in the past year. More than three-quarters felt that pressure had increased during the past year and about half felt that more was expected of them than previously.

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