The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme, effective from 27 November 2008,replaces the old working holiday scheme, which allowed people, includingSouth Africans, to work for a total of up to 12 months during a two-yearstay in the UK. The new scheme makes it easier for young people fromAustralia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan to join the UK childcareworkforce by allowing them to work for a full two years, but it omitsSouth Africans.
Recruiters in the childcare sector are concerned about the impact thechanges might have on the nanny and au pair market.
Judith Ivers, chair of the childcare sector group of the Recruitment andEmployment Confederation, and owner of the agency North London Nannies,said, 'The omission of South Africa from the Youth Mobility Scheme is ablow to the childcare sector. South Africans often work in the childcaresector when they first come to the UK and provide excellent care inroles which are difficult to get UK citizens to do. They are flexibleand hard-working, they speak English and they drive on the same side ofthe road, which is a plus for families who want them to drive.'
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