Nannies in capital paid £27,000

The cost of employing a full-time nanny in London is now almost £27,000.

A survey today reveals that professional childcarers earn more than the starting salary of most nurses, police officers and teachers. Live-in nannies, who do not have to pay housing costs or utilities, earn almost £20,000. The £27,000 salary is for a "daily nanny", who does not live on the premises but works full time.

The figures - which use data from over 100 UK nanny agencies - show that central London nannies earn £4,000 more than in the Home Counties and £6,000 more than in other towns and cities.

The study concludes that to employ a full-time nanny a parent needs to earn £40,000 a year to cover their wages, tax and National Insurance. But new rules from April will give families greater tax breaks and offer parents vouchers for hiring approved nannies.

The survey was carried out by Nursery World magazine and Nannytax, a company that offers services to parents employing nannies. Nursery World editor Liz Roberts said: "Having a nanny is a flexible form of childcare for many families, and the new tax breaks should make this an increasingly affordable option for those on lower incomes."

The poll also reveals a growing trend for nannies to be hired on a part-time basis, partly because of the cost and partly because more mothers are working part time. More than 50 per cent of nannies are in part-time positions, many juggling jobs with two or even three families.

Andrew Myers of Nannytax said: "The modern-day Mary Poppins is no longer the preserve of the rich. She works for two or more families and represents the preferred childcare option for a greater number and crosssection of working parents than ever before."