A Siptu survey indicates that over two-thirds of early years teachers and childcare personnel in Ireland perceive stress as a predominant issue. The study, carried out prior to a conference on Saturday, where Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman will engage with professionals in the discipline, identified understaffing, inadequate wages, and demanding work among the principal stress triggers.
Overall, 70% recognized stress and a potential for burnout as their biggest daily work worries. Lack of staff was the main stress catalyst for nearly a third (31%), while demanding work environment and financial concerns stemming from insufficient wages were pointed out by 27% and 23% of the over 1,000 participants respectively.
Only 16% expressed confidence about continuing in the sector due to the working conditions, indicating the possibility of seeking better paid alternative careers as potential grounds for departing.
The survey results will be debated at Saturday’s conference, a first of its nature. Approximately 6,000 of the sector’s 27,000 workers are represented by Siptu, in a sector where low pay is a long-term problem.
Controversially, last year, up to €4million in Government funds allocated to increase the wages of graduates in the sector was refused by employers’ groups, arguing the money was too selectively allocated.
Darragh O’Connor, Siptu’s head of organising, commented on the findings stating that remuneration and conditions in the sector are significant problems for the personnel which consequently affects the children they look after. He added, without vital enhancements in workplace conditions, especially related to staff numbers and wages, a severe staffing crisis likely looms for Ireland.
Many skilled early years educators do not envision a durable career in the industry. This attitude threatens not only the welfare of young children in their care but also the future sustainability of the sector.