STUC responds to Audit Scotland Report on nursery expansion

March 3rd 2020

STUC responds to Audit Scotland Report on nursery expansion

March 3rd 2020

Responding to the Audit Scotland Report stating that a major recruitment drive is needed to ensure an expansion of funded nursery places is to hit Scottish Government targets, STUC General Secretary Grahame Smith said:

“The fact that 4000 nursery staff will need to be recruited to meet the promised expansion is no surprise to the STUC, nor to unions that represent workers in the sector. To meet the increase in numbers required, and to ensure these workers are retained, we need to go well beyond the current pay rates. This is particularly the case in the non-unionised private and voluntary sectors. Government must ensure that this work is both attractive and that wages are paid that properly recognises and values the skills of the predominantly female workforce.

“We continue to press for greater delivery from the public sector, where wages tend to be higher, and the establishment of sectoral bargaining cross the sector to establish a decent rate for the job which will allow all providers to attract, value and retain workers.

“Trade unions will continue to work with government and employers to deliver on this. The expansion of childcare is vital as part of a strategy to tackle poverty and inequality; to support women into work and to achieve positive educational outcomes for children.”

ENDS

Audit commission report:

https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/news/early-learning-plans-make-progress-but-risks-remain