Working in the early years sector for many years, I have seen firsthand the dedication and passion early years staff bring to their role, nurturing and educating our youngest citizens. However, there's a pervasive issue that feels punitive: when staff fall ill, they not only worry about their health and the impact on the children they care for, but they also face financial stress due to lack of statutory sick pay.

The current system forces dedicated professionals to choose between their health and their livelihood, as a sick day often results in a loss of wages. This is not only unfair but unsustainable, putting unnecessary pressure on those who are already in a demanding line of work.

According to the Office for National Statistics, there are around 300,000 early years workers in the UK. They provide essential services by laying the educational groundwork for approximately 2.1 million children in nursery and preschool settings. Despite their crucial role, many of these workers do not have access to statutory sick pay.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital role early years staff play, yet it also exposed the vulnerabilities they face. Ensuring that these workers have statutory sick pay would provide them the security needed to recover without financial penalty, and, importantly, protect the children from potential exposure to illnesses.

We urge the UK Government to extend statutory sick pay to cover all early years staff. This change is not only a question of fairness but also one of public health and educational quality. By doing so, we can support early childhood professionals, secure their well-being, and ensure the highest standards in early education.

Sign this petition to demand a change that values and protects early years educators and the children they care for. Together, we can make a difference.