This study is based on interviews and focus groups with workers, employers, unions, voluntary sector and economic regeneration agencies. It presents stakeholders' perceptions of childcare work in the current political and economic context of Scotland. It highlights the growing paradox of a service essential for gender equality but which remains vulnerable to a dependence on low paid jobs. Although more men are working in childcare jobs the sector remains dominated by women. Pay in the childcare sector is poor.
Some workers have to do two or three jobs to get a full-time wage packet.
The main characteristics of childcare employment were described as insecurity, low pay, variable working hours and informal work arrangements. Workers often do not have contracts or receive sick pay, holiday pay or protection against unfair dismissal. Union membership is not high among workers particularly in smaller projects. Unions also find it difficult to access workers in this fragmented sector. Many workers have little training.