Kindergartens and nursing homes in Iceland are currently much more successful in hiring employees than last year. The situation at these work places was very serious last year; some parents were told that their children had to stay at home one day per week.
According to Morgunbladid the difference lies in the economic situation. Last year, during an economic upswing, people were able to make more demands and choose between a variety of better-paid jobs.
This year, during an economic downswing, not as many jobs are available and job seekers have to give up some of their demands and take whatever jobs they can find. Therefore the aforementioned jobs in caretaking where the salaries are not particularly high have suddenly become more sought after.
In August last year the situation had become so serious at kindergartens that the Association of Kindergarten Teachers released the following statement:
“This situation is a threat to the operations of kindergartens which is sensitive and important in the lives of young children. A lack of employees also increases pressure on the remaining kindergarten directors and staff members and makes parents concerned and anxious.”
This August kindergarten directors say the situation is considerably better than last year and most are optimistic about being able to fill all vacant positions before the coming fall.
Directors of nursing homes are also optimistic. Pétur Magnússon, managing director of Hrafnista nursing home in Reykjavík, said the home “is in a much better situation than during the same time last year.”
