Teachers not getting childcare vouchers discussion

MoneySavingExpert.com Forums - Teachers not getting childcare vouchers discussion
DRAFT LETTER TO MPS:

Dear MP NAME

I am writing as your constituent to draw your attention to the fact that state school teachers are unfairly missing out on £1000s worth of government subsidies.

Thousands of private sector employers now offer childcare voucher schemes, which allow parents to claim £1000s a year tax back on childcare costs. If a couple both applied for the vouchers, which are deducted from workers’ gross salary so avoid tax and national insurance, they could save a massive £1600-£2000 a year.

Yet teachers are denied this cash. They are exempt from the scheme because the national agreement that controls teachers’ pay means local authorities can’t alter teachers’ pay rates – even if it is to accommodate a government salary sacrifice scheme. This is a silly bureaucratic oversight.

It seems extraordinary that in the current climate of staff shortages, teachers are precluded from an incentive that would encourage many to return to work.

I would like you to do all that you can to put pressure on the government to get the rules changed, and find a mechanism through which teachers can get the cash they are entitled to.

Yours sincerely,

Possibly related:

• More embarrassment for Blair as teachers are prepared to strike against White Paper
• MediaGuardian.co.uk | Media | David Remnick on the cancellation of The West Wing
• Victory at last