Nursery World - Parents note carers' low pay

More than 60 per cent of parents using daycare provision think childcare workers are poorly paid, according to a survey commissioned by the Daycare Trust and Unison. The research, published at the start of this week's National Childcare Week, found that staff are regarded by parents as the most significant factor in the provision of high-quality childcare. But two-thirds of parents are aware that the sector is lowly paid, while 19 per cent of parents believe that childcare staff are generally well-paid.

The research, published at the start of this week's National Childcare Week, found that staff are regarded by parents as the most significant factor in the provision of high-quality childcare. But two-thirds of parents are aware that the sector is lowly paid, while 19 per cent of parents believe that childcare staff are generally well-paid.

Most parents (60 per cent) said the Government should contribute more to the cost of childcare, while 41 per cent said employers and 16 per cent said parents themselves should pay more. The top three improvements parents wanted were more affordable provision (43 per cent), more places available (38 per cent) and more employer support with childcare (38 per cent).

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