Liz Smith, Director of unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills project today called for childcare workers to be offered training rather than criticism. She was responding to the Professional Association of Teachers' claims that childcare workers are lacking in basic skills of literacy and numeracy, which was going to lead to a generation of 'Vicky Pollards'.

Liz Smith said; "Lashing out at some of the most badly-paid workers in society is not going to help. In fact over 35% of the workforce would benefit from some literacy and numeracy training. To pick on workers, who are mainly women working part-time, is extremely unfair. If the workforce were predominantly male, would the PAT be so critical? Childcare workers deserve to be valued for looking after our children, while many of them are earning a pittance. They are the guardians of the next generation, and as such should be offered training and support in learning.

Together with the trade unions, unionlearn is helping people to access learning and skills courses in the workplace. Last year over 14,000 union learning reps supported over 100, 000 workers who went back into education. For example UNISON has run courses for thousands of care workers to improve their English, to improve their study skills and to take GCSEs. These people need support not criticism."