Strike in Scotland to Close Nurseries

Interior of nursery classroom

Strike in Scotland to Close Nurseries 

In further evidence of the cost of living crisis, childcare settings in 20 council regions across Scotland will close due to industrial action by Unite the Union from 6th to 9th September. Unlike in England and Wales, most early years childcare in Scotland is provided by the public sector, with wages set by councils with funding from central government. With high inflation raising prices, workers are demanding an increase in pay and have rejected an offer of a 5% increase made by the Scottish government.

Childcare workers are joining other public services in their strike which has already seen refuse not be collected – leading to mounds of waste piling up in city centres in what Edinburgh council’s leader described as a national crisis. This could impact residents further by providing a breeding ground for vermin and other health hazards. Politicians are desperately searching for a solution, but available funds are low. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that Scotland does not have a ‘bottomless pit of money’ but wants to offer the ‘fairest possible pay deal’.

Despite the decision to take action, talks have been described as constructive, but have been made more complicated by ministers pointing out that they are not the employers and therefore have no authority to reach a deal. As the economy continues to slump, it is likely that further industrial disputes will take place across the UK and are likely to both directly and indirectly impact the childcares sector.