Changes to sick pay system 'would cripple childcare sector'

Early Childhood Ireland has said that the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme will result in job losses.

Under the proposals, employers would have to pay up to the first four weeks of benefit.

Irene Gunning of Early Childhood Ireland said that the change would put childcare centres under severe pressure.

"In childcare you have to have your number of adults there, you must have your correct ratios, the ratios are laid down by the regulation,"

"So if somebody is out sick, you have to pay for them now, and you have to pay for the replacement.

"You might say that that's the case in some businesses. In childcare though it's quite severe because you're in breach of the regulations."