UNISON, the UK’s leading public sector trade union, today called on MPs to spare a thought for workers on term-time only contracts, the unemployed, and people worried about losing their jobs, through the summer recess, starting tomorrow (Tuesday 27 July).
The union warned that many workers cannot afford the basics, let alone a summer holiday this year, and will miss out on the chance to spend time with their families, recharge their batteries and deal with the fall out of a stressful year.
Even without going on holiday, many parents will struggle to cope with the additional cost of childcare, day trips and holiday activities for children when they are not at school. A recent survey* put the overall spend by families through the summer at £5.6 billion – or more than £300 per family.
UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said: “While MPs leave parliament for the summer recess, they should spare a thought for cash-strapped workers and the unemployed, priced out of a holiday this year.
“Many workers, including teaching assistants on term-time only contracts, miss out on pay in the summer months. This makes it near on impossible to afford a break. Reports that 600,000 public sector jobs are facing the axe mean that many people still in work will be too worried about joining the dole queues to go on holiday.
“Even without going away, the cost of the school holidays can mount up for parents. It is a huge blow that recent cut-backs have seen the end of free swimming – one of the only enjoyable activities available to low-income families.
“Parents feel huge pressure to give their children a decent break. Our worry is that low-income families will get into debt, and many parents will be forced to go without to make ends meet.
“It all adds up to a stressful summer for parents and children. Missing out on the chance for rest and relaxation will have a huge knock on effect to stress levels for the rest of the year and beyond.”