Union survey reveals staffing challenge in childcare

Finland

The SuPer health and care union has published findings from a survey of workers in early years education that found more than half (53%) of respondents felt that the quality of service had deteriorated over the past five years with insufficient staff seen as the main problem. Over 1,000 union members replied to the survey, with 88% saying that they had experienced staff shortages in their work unit on at least a monthly basis. They survey also found that the increase in other tasks meant that workers had less time for direct contact with children. Almost 80% of respondents are considering finding work in other sectors. SuPer has presented solutions to the crisis in early childhood education and care that include action on pay, recognition of the demanding nature of the work, better deployment of skilled staff and more support for children with special needs.

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