UNISON helps found new coalition for childcare and early education

Today sees the launch of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition, which aims to provide a strong, united voice to ensure that all political parties commit to early education and childcare reform. The coalition is an independent group that unites parents, children, providers, those working in the sector and the wider business community to use their collective voice and expertise to build public and political support for early education and childcare. As the UK’s largest trade union, and representing predominantly women workers, UNISON members are on the frontline of the crisis facing Britain’s childcare sector, whether as parents, grandparents or one of the 50,000 members who work in early years and nurseries. As such, UNISON is proud to be a founding member of the Early Education and Childcare Coalition. The union believes that everyone’s children should be able to enjoy quality provision delivered by well-paid professionals. The cost of living is exacerbating problems in the childcare sector, as workers struggle to make ends meet. TUC research shows that nursery costs have risen four times faster than wages, so many public service workers are having to take second or third jobs to pay for childcare. Others – especially women – are leaving work altogether because they cannot afford nursery fees. The childcare market is broken – it needs fixing, with proper funding that ensures universal access. UNISON members can join the campaign to help make this ...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News childcare Early Education and Childcare Coalition early years Source Type: news