The number of Wage Subsidy applications by early learning providers has dramatically declined since the first lockdown
according to an Early Childhood Council survey.
While 90% of providers surveyed applied for the subsidy in June 2020, that falls to just 20% on average for August 2020
and March 2021 during Auckland’s Level 3 periods.Source: Early Childhood Council member surveys
“Going from a 40% to 30% revenue drop threshold to access the Wage Subsidy means the majority miss out and don’t bother
applying,” said ECC CEO Peter Reynolds.
76% of Auckland centres surveyed indicated they will open their doors for parents who need to send their children to
care through the latest lockdown – but with a small percentage of children attending, meeting the wage bill is
challenging.
“That subsidy will make a real difference for centres with teachers to pay but limited revenue coming in – we’d like to
see the revenue drop threshold moved back to 30% so that it’s accessible once more,” said Mr Reynolds.