Nursery World - Pay rises leading to nursery staff drainl

The improved pay settlements negotiated by local authority nursery nurses across Scotland last year have left private providers struggling to retain staff. Comments from providers suggest that higher salaries and a better career structure in local authority-run centres have caused a 'brain drain' of well-qualified and talented staff away from the private sector.

Comments from providers suggest that higher salaries and a better career structure in local authority-run centres have caused a 'brain drain' of well-qualified and talented staff away from the private sector.

Patricia McGinty, a director of the Scottish Independent Nurseries Association and owner of the Bishopsbriggs Childcare Centre in East Dunbartonshire, said she had noticed staff 'leaving in droves' from both her nursery and other private nurseries in the East Dunbartonshire region.

She said, 'Many of the staff are not even leaving to take up permanent jobs, but are instead joining supply lists at East Dunbartonshire council.

They hope that by being on the lists they will eventually secure a permanent contract.'

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