MP joins cross-party campaign to give nurseries financial support during coronavirus crisis

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined MPs from across the House of Commons in urging the Government to reverse their decision not to give nurseries full access to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Tim raised the plight of nurseries in the South Lakes last month after the Government changed its guidance to say nurseries will only be able to furlough a proportion of their staff, with the National Day Nurseries Association warning that the decision could be the 'final straw' for many nurseries.

Now Tim has joined around 50 cross-party MPs in signing a joint letter to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, pressing him to intervene and give full financial support to local nurseries.

In the letter, the MPs say: "The early years sector was already struggling financially before the Coronavirus crisis.

"The removal of the support that has been promised for weeks will mean that many providers will now have to make staff redundant and potentially close settings permanently.

"This is a truly desperate time for many people in the childcare sector and beyond.

"We are calling on the Government to intervene and ensure that those who make such a vital social and economic contribution to our country, are not left behind in their hour of need."

Commenting on the letter, Tim said: "Ever since the Government's U-turn, I have been inundated with nursery managers and staff who are extremely worried about their future.

"I'm pleased to have joined forces with MPs from across the House to speak with one voice to say that the Government's decision to leave nurseries out in the cold is totally unacceptable and that they must reverse this damaging decision."