A mother of two and nursery assistant in Leeds expressed her apprehension about Christmas due to the increasing cost of living challenges. Hayley Doyle, 44, highlighted the financial struggles faced by early years workers, emphasizing low pay and insufficient funding for essential services.
Earning just under £25,000, Hayley mentioned how staff often dip into their own pockets to buy necessities like wellies and coats for children in need, as well as gifts for fundraising events at the nursery. She criticized a meager 3.2% pay raise offer, stating that staff are overworked and burdened by the additional strain of the government’s free childcare initiative.
Hayley shared her concerns about the upcoming festive season, describing a sense of dread as prices continue to rise, making even simple treats like selection boxes unaffordable. She expressed worries about the sustainability of her job in the face of stagnant wages and escalating living costs, noting that many colleagues have already left for higher-paying positions.
According to a survey, nearly 40% of school support and early years staff are anxious about affording food for their families this Christmas, with over half expressing concerns about buying presents. The survey revealed that many workers feel compelled to provide treats and gifts for the children they care for, further straining their finances.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by school support staff, GMB National Officer Stacey Booth emphasized the need for better pay and working conditions, calling attention to the undervaluation of essential roles in society. The GMB union conducted a comprehensive survey of more than 4,600 school support staff and early years workers in December, shedding light on the pressing issues within the sector.