Date: Monday 16 March 2015

UNISON Scotland launches Childcare Charter

UNISON Scotland today (16 March) launched a Childcare Charter. The charter calls for an expansion of paid parental leave and flexible working for parents; and fair pay, training and career paths for childcare workers. UNISON has also called for childcare to be delivered free in the public rather than private sector.

Carol Ball, chair of UNISON’s education issues group said ‘The research is abundantly clear. High quality childcare is hugely beneficial for children, it supports parents and grows the economy. It helps close the gender pay gap, supports women in work and reduces child poverty.

I am calling on all political parties to make childcare a central policy platform for the coming elections and say how they will make the real change that families and childcare workers are calling out for. We need to change work for parents and improve terms and conditions for the childcare workforce, as this will improve the lives of children in Scotland.’

UNISON Scotland Childcare Charter calls for

• High quality childcare
• Free childcare provided in the public sector
• Extension of paid parental leave
• Improved flexible working
• More research into what parents want
• Fair pay for nursery staff
• Training for nursery staff
• Preparation time and study leave for nursery staff
• Career paths for nursery staff

Notes to Editor

• UNISON is the largest public services trade union in Europe. We are the largest  trade union in Scotland.
• You can read UNISON Scotland childcare charter here: http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/educationissues/UNISONScotlandChildcareCharter_Mar2015.pdf

For further information contact:

• Dave Watson, UNISON Scottish organiser, 0141 342 2840 / 07958 122409
• Danny Phillips, UNISON communications officer, 0141 342 2877 / 07944 664 110

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