Our hard working healthcare providers need your help today. As we are all aware new restrictions have been enforced in order to get in front of this ongoing pandemic. However, this has left several thousands of staff at an impasse.

Although some schools have remained open for key workers staff are still struggling to fully cover their work hours. Essential breakfast clubs and after school clubs are closed and school hours are 08:40 -15:10 which does not cover a normal 9-5 shift. If our child needs to self isolate due to being in contact with someone who is covid positive again we are left at a stand-still. We are told that the child needs to self isolate not us and we are expected at work as normal. Those of us who cannot find any additional childcare are left with little options.

NHS staff are being forced to use their annual leave to cover childcare issues and when our much needed leave is finished our only other option is to take unpaid leave. The government offers furlough but the entire NHS has been left out. NHS employers must give staff other options such as furlough because suggesting unpaid leave is unacceptable.

We know our role is essential and we are happy to provide care for all throughout this time but we also have a responsibility to our families and ourselves. We cannot afford to take unpaid leave and it is unfair and disgraceful that this is even an option when we have worked our hardest and have continued to persevere throughout this difficult time.

Please help us so that we can continue to help you.