Press Release: SIPTU call for equal treatment for owner managers

2nd April

SIPTU calls for access to Wage Subsidy Scheme for Early Years owner managers

SIPTU representatives have called for owner managers in Early Years services to be treated as employees under the Revenue and Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA)Wage Subsidy Scheme.

SIPTU Head of Organising, Darragh O’Connor, said: “The Covid-19 emergency has been incredibly difficult for our country and Early Years is one of the worse hit sectors. Approximately 4,500 childcare services have closed, resulting in 25,000 staff no longer working.

“However, owner managers working on the ground can currently only access a €350 per week social welfare payment, this compares to a directly employed manager who can avail of a wage subsidy of up to €585 per week. Our members believe that the contribution of these managers to this vital public service should be equality recognised.”

He added: “The DCYA have attempted its best to respond to the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis. However, action must be taken to ensure there is equality in the manner in which owner managers are treated under the Wage Subsidy Scheme.

“The crisis has also made clear the inadequacy of the current childcare funding model. We need a new funding model which recognises the contribution of staff and owner managers by ensuring them decent wages while providing an affordable service for parents and high-quality outcomes for children.”