So parents who employ nannies are finally going to be able to claim tax credits ('Childcare tax credit extends to nannies', News, 20 May). But why does everybody seem to think this recognises nannies as professionals? Parents can claim the money but they can keep it all to themselves - there is no obligation on them to pass any of the benefit on to their nanny. At best this may mean that there's a few more jobs around for nannies who are competing with nurseries and childminders, but they will not enjoy any of the financial benefit.
So parents who employ nannies are finally going to be able to claim tax credits ('Childcare tax credit extends to nannies', News, 20 May).
But why does everybody seem to think this recognises nannies as professionals? Parents can claim the money but they can keep it all to themselves - there is no obligation on them to pass any of the benefit on to their nanny. At best this may mean that there's a few more jobs around for nannies who are competing with nurseries and childminders, but they will not enjoy any of the financial benefit.
Two working parents with a joint income under 43,000 are never going to be able to offer a nanny a very high salary anyway, so the truly professional, highly-qualified and experienced nannies are not going to come into this scheme and therefore they are not gaining any recognition from it.
Helen Stone
Reading, Berkshire
