Babies - too expensive?

Date: 02 December 2008

An LHMU inquiry reveals a high proportion of babies (zero to two year olds) may be the reason why many ABC Learning centres are under review for closure. ABC Learning Receivers McGrathNicol are assessing 386 ABC to decide if they will remain open in 2009.

The cost of providing childcare for babies is significantly higher than for older children. Regulations specify that childcare workers must look after smaller groups of babies. The number varies across the country but one carer can look after from four to five babies, while in the older age group one carer can look after as many as 15 children.

Despite exhaustive investigations the union has been unable to find another explanation for the targetting of these centres. Many have full occupancy and long waiting lists.

Closing ABC Learning centres with a high proportion of places for zero to two year olds would be devastating for families of these children. Vacances in this age group are already the hardest to find.

The LHMU calls on the Big Bank creditors of ABC Learning and the Australian Government to ensure these centres are kept open until March to allow enough time for proper analysis of the situation and to find solutions for families and workers at these centres. The union asks the banks to put in $15 million and the Government an additional $21 million.

The Receivers are expected to make further announcements about the future of these centres later this week.

Support childcare workers and families: sign our online petition BABIES BEFORE BANKS -

http://www.lhmu.org.au/campaigns/babies-before-banks

For further information

Contact:	Louise Tarrant, National Secretary
Union:	LHMU
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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