Higher Job Bonus and Flexi-Jobs a solution to staff shortage in childcare?

In a newspaper interview Bart Somers said that like Ms Crevits he believes that a significant injection of cash is needed for childcare in Flanders. However, “What I miss in her plan is how she will find the staff”. Mr Somers’ plan contains measures that he believes will serve to make working in childcare more (financially) attractive as a career option. The measures also seek to address staff shortage by enabling childcare facilities to take on logistical support staff to lighten childcares’ workload.  

Mr Somers proposes increasing the so-called “Job Bonus”, a tax reduction granted to the lowest-paid workers in our region. This currently stands at 600 euro/annum. Anyone that lives in the Flemish Region and earns less that 2,900 euro/month gross is entitled to the Job Bonus. Bart Somers proposes raising the level of the Job Bonus to 700 euro/annum. “By doing this you will widen the gap between the amount people get for working as opposed to not working and in so doing you might be able to entice more people to work in childcare”.

The liberal politician also sees room to entice employers to strengthen the range of flexible childcare. "Today, employers can deduct the costs of providing childcare places for employees as a business expense. However, this system is hardly used. We therefore want to expand and make it more flexible as an option for employers”.

The liberals want to reduce the workload in childcare by hiring logistical support staff. Meanwhile, the Flemish liberals will argue at the Federal Government cabinet table for the extension of the “Flexi-job” regime to cover childcare. Under the flexi-job regime those that work at least 80% or have already retired can earn extra cash by working in, for example a hospitality outlet. The money they earn is exempt from tax and social security contributions.