Pay differences threaten workforce reform
Tom Lloyd
Monday, April 28, 2008
Divisions between the different professions that work with children and young people are increasing, despite government efforts to promote collaboration.
An analysis of the Labour Force Survey looking at social care, childcare, nursing and education has found wide variations between the pay, gender and qualifications of staff working in different sectors.
The study, which was carried out by the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the University of London, also suggests these divisions are widening as more people join the least well-paid professions.
The study analysed data from 2001-05 and compared it with earlier findings from 1997-99. It found the number of people employed in the four sectors across England had increased from 2.46m to 2.74m, mostly childcare workers and educational assistants.
Childcare workers were the least well-paid group, earning an average of £7,963 a year. They were also mainly female and white and more likely to work for private companies than other groups.
Professionals working in social care or health were better off, earning an average of £12,338 and £16,630 a year respectively. They also worked more hours and were the most likely to work outside the private sector.
Education workers were found to be the most highly paid, earning an average of £19,127 a year, although there were divisions within this group between teachers and other staff.
The research concludes that the different workforce groups are not competing for the same staff. It also identifies clear links between gender, qualifications and pay, with women dominating the less well-paid professions.
"These structural differences may not facilitate collaboration," the report states. "Moreover, there is little indication that the hierarchy is reducing; indeed, quite the contrary, with the marked growth of educational assistants and childcare workers."
The study, which was carried out by the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the University of London, also suggests these divisions are widening as more people join the least well-paid professions.
The study analysed data from 2001-05 and compared it with earlier findings from 1997-99. It found the number of people employed in the four sectors across England had increased from 2.46m to 2.74m, mostly childcare workers and educational assistants.
Childcare workers were the least well-paid group, earning an average of £7,963 a year. They were also mainly female and white and more likely to work for private companies than other groups.
Professionals working in social care or health were better off, earning an average of £12,338 and £16,630 a year respectively. They also worked more hours and were the most likely to work outside the private sector.
Education workers were found to be the most highly paid, earning an average of £19,127 a year, although there were divisions within this group between teachers and other staff.
The research concludes that the different workforce groups are not competing for the same staff. It also identifies clear links between gender, qualifications and pay, with women dominating the less well-paid professions.
"These structural differences may not facilitate collaboration," the report states. "Moreover, there is little indication that the hierarchy is reducing; indeed, quite the contrary, with the marked growth of educational assistants and childcare workers."
