Barry Sheerman made his comments during an extra meeting of the Select Committee in Portcullis House, Westminster. The committee heard that many early years workers earn around 7,000 a year. Committee member Charlotte Atkins said the low pay and status meant that nursery nurses 'do not feel valued and don't value themselves'.
The committee had reconvened for an extra session to take further evidence from early years representatives after its report on the sector earlier this year (News, 18 January). It also gave them a chance to comment on the Government's response to the report before equal opportunities and employment minister Margaret Hodge came before it on 2 May.
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