Trade union study shows 'poverty pay' is driving workers out of childcare Reporter: '); The annual SIPTU Early Years Professionals’ survey has found that 43% of child care workers are actively seeking another job due to low pay levels in the sector. The findings also show that 90% of workers struggle to make ends meet, 77% have no work sick pay scheme and just 10% receive paid maternity leave from their employer. Of the 26,882 staff who work directly with children, 98% are female. The survey was completed in late 2020 by Dr Amy Greer Murphy, a social scientist who uses qualitative ...