How policy is driving precarious work for professionals in childcare and higher education

Sinéad Pembroke: How much do we know about the working conditions of the educators who look after and teach our children, our family members and ourselves? For the childcare and third-level sectors, a lot of the media focus tends to be on the cost of childcare, higher education fees and malpractices within the childcare sector. 

Women at Work in Ireland

Paul Sweeney: Did you know that until 1973 if a woman got married in the Irish civil service, she had to resign so that a man or single woman could take her job? Married men got higher pay than singles as the “providers.” Until Ireland joined the EEC (EU) there was widespread state and private discrimination against women for not being men. Entry to the EU changed the role of women radically, outlawing widespread sexism and discrimination. 

Bye Bye Daddy Male Bread-winner!