14 December 2009
Voice: the union for education professionals – which represents nursery nurses, nannies and other childcarers as well as teachers and education staff – has welcomed the findings of The New Economics Foundation's A Bit Rich report that "Looking after children could not be more important. As well as providing a valuable service for families, childcare workers release earnings potential by allowing parents to continue working. They also unlock social benefits in the shape of the learning opportunities that children gain outside the home. For every £1 they are paid, childcare workers generate between £7 and £9.50 worth of benefits to society."
Senior professional officer (Childcare) Tricia Pritchard said: "For too long, childcare professionals have been overlooked, under-paid and taken for granted.
"We are delighted that this report recognises the value of childcare to society and takes a fresh look at how we recognise and reward different professions.
"I hope that the government, local authorities and private employers will sit up and take notice."