Early Years Educators Express Concerns Over Pay, Staff Shortages, and Stress
Early years educators in the childcare sector are facing challenges such as low pay, staff shortages, and stress, as highlighted in a recent survey conducted by SIPTU. The study revealed that nearly one in three childcare services are at risk of closure due to lack of staff.
The research showed that 86% of respondents identified low pay as their main work issue, with pressure from staff shortages and stress also ranking high. A staggering 95% of educators reported struggling to make ends meet, while 78% stated they would not be able to handle unexpected expenses.
Managers reported difficulties in recruitment, with 95% finding the process challenging. Concerns over quality for children, additional workload on remaining staff, and maintaining staff ratios were also highlighted.
SIPTU Head of Organising, Darragh O’Connor, emphasized the need for comprehensive action to address low pay in the sector to prevent further closures. While recent increases in minimum hourly rates have been implemented, there are ongoing discussions on raising wages further, with potential impacts on parents’ fees.