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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

Nannies: market rates (bit controversial)

878 replies

Tanzie · 10/04/2005 19:35

Having read on another thread ("Paying Nannies when sick") gripes from UK nannies about jobs going to girls from accession countries who will work for less, (and do more in the way of housework), is this not just pushing the market rate down for qualified/experienced nannies?

I am not in UK, but I would look at it as providing more affordable childcare, provided you can find someone trustworthy and reliable. I lived in UK briefly about 4 years ago and a nanny friend of mine was earning GBP 25,000 and got a flat thrown in with it. This is more than I was earning at the time and could never have afforded this sort of money for someone to look after my children.

I am not suggesting slave labour from Central European girls, or paying them an au pair's "pocket money" for what is essentially a nanny job, but paying them a reasonable wage and providing free accommodation means that a lot of people, who could not afford a nanny or nursery fees, will probably be able to get back to work.

Of course, there will always be those who want a Norland nanny and can afford one, but it seems to me that your average Mum would welcome these Central Europeans with open arms...

I'll run and hide now...

OP posts:
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lockets · 10/04/2005 21:43

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omega2 · 10/04/2005 21:41

thanks

cod · 10/04/2005 21:41

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PennyLane79 · 10/04/2005 21:40

Yes I certainly don't make 25k a year lol Where are those jobs then?
I think Ameriscot2005 is just playing devils advocat really Omega so don't worry.

omega2 · 10/04/2005 21:34

lucky them
I know for a fact that my mum earns more in one day doing supply teaching than i can in a day doing less hours

lockets · 10/04/2005 21:32

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omega2 · 10/04/2005 21:31

I wish i earned 25K a year
I'm sure some teachers could afford a mortgage it depends where you live.
I chose to move to get a house i could afford so had to take a drop in wage but not enough that i have to struggle. Why should I??

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:30

I'm trying my best, Cod. Need to get another drink to take me into the next round.

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:29

But can a teacher support a mortgage by themselves?

cod · 10/04/2005 21:28

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lockets · 10/04/2005 21:27

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omega2 · 10/04/2005 21:26

Teachers earn more than nannies

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:25

But lots of jobs don't provide enough money to supprot a mortgage single-handedly. Why should a nanny be any different to, say, a teacher?

omega2 · 10/04/2005 21:19

I think what a lot of parents forget or don't realise is that at the end of the day Nannies have bills to pay unless live in. I still have to pay my mortgage and everything else so I couldn't live on much less than i'm earning now. BTW I do empty and fill the dish washer, take in parcels, clear up the kitchen and run other general errands where needed. I am also treated really well by the family i work for hence I have been there nearly 2 years

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:15

Oh, am I not handling it?

Sorry, but I just can't stand when people get precious about status, possessions etc.

Am a SAHM and am not directly concerned about nannies - I am giving a very neutral POV.

I still don't understand what your USP is.

NannyJo · 10/04/2005 21:13

if you can't handle my opinoins then don't give yours

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:11

But why do you have to "stand up for yourself" if your product is so valued and so unique?

Surely you have nothing to worry about from the huddled masses that are discharged daily onto our shores.

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:10

Cool!

NannyJo · 10/04/2005 21:10

nNOT BITCHING ABOU ANYTHING JUST STANDING UP FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS LIKE ME. THANKYOU!!!!!

lockets · 10/04/2005 21:09

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Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:08

If you believe you are added value, then what are you bitchin' about?

I guess you are not the nanny that was complaining about teenage babysitters - you must have done a bit of that yourself in your 19 years...

lockets · 10/04/2005 21:07

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NannyJo · 10/04/2005 21:07

sorry meant to be 10 years exp. oopps!

NannyJo · 10/04/2005 21:06

i'm not i'm 27 have 19 years experience, excellent references, qualifications etc so i do feel i deserve what i ask for because i am very good at my job and do feel i can provide more that your average au pair. I know i get very heated about this but i do feel strongly about this issue. it is very hard for me to find a job and to take a 50% pay cut i would still provide the good service abd that is annoying. we all need to earn a living and provide for our families.
Sorry for rant hope you can all understand my reasons for it.

Ameriscot2005 · 10/04/2005 21:02

Unfortunately, very few nannies live up to the ideal picture that you are painting.

The ones I have seen are just young girls that have had maybe a year of GNVQ schooling. They are not any different to any other girl of their age and educational experience.

Let's not over-egg the pudding.