The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, effective from 27 November 2008,replaces the old working holiday scheme, which allowed people, includingSouth Africans, to work for a total of up to 12 months during a two-yearstay in the UK. The new scheme makes it easier for young people fromAustralia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan to join the UK childcareworkforce by allowing them to work for a full two years, but it omitsSouth Africans.
Recruiters in the childcare sector are concerned about the impact thechanges might have on the nanny and au pair market.
Judith Ivers, chair of the childcare sector group of the Recruitment andEmployment Confederation, and owner of the agency North London Nannies,said, 'The omission of South Africa from the Youth Mobility Scheme is ablow to the childcare sector. South Africans often work in the childcaresector when they first come to the UK and provide excellent care inroles which are difficult to get UK citizens to do. They are flexibleand hard-working, they speak English and they drive on the same side ofthe road, which is a plus for families who want them to drive.'
She added, 'On the plus side, nannies from Australia and New Zealandwill now get two years, which makes them more viable for employers.Japan is also a new category, so that is exciting.'
Nanny agency Tinies has an agent based in South Africa to recruitchildcarers to work in England. Amanda Coxen, the company's franchisedirector, said it will have to close down the South African facility bythe end of the year. She said, 'It's a great shame. It is a loss interms of good quality nannies and au pairs.'
Further information
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/working intheuk/howchangesaffectyou
