A nursery which shut down suddenly, leaving more than 50 staff jobless and parents scrambling for childcare, "should be reopened".
The owners of Orchard Day Nursery in Huyton blamed the nursery's sudden closure on "unrealistic pay demands and strikes by staff". Parents were emailed an apology for the lack of notice and the “disruption” caused, and were informed that representatives will be in touch in coming weeks with further details for families who have paid fees in advance.
UNISON, the public service union, has now urged the Brightstart Day Nursery Group to "do the right thing" and reopen the site, which looked after more than 200 young children.
READ MORE: Parents and staff 'in tears' as nursery closes permanently without warning
UNISON Knowsley branch organiser Karen Greer said: “It’s devastating for the local community to find the nursery has closed at such short notice.
“The employer must reconsider and come to an agreement that can get staff and parents back to work. And most importantly, end the distress for the children who want to be back in a place they adore.
“Knowsley Council will be working with the union to support those affected. Brightstart should do the right thing, talk to staff and parents, and reopen the nursery.
“These workers are vital to the community. They love their jobs but can earn more in local supermarkets. All they want is a fair wage that helps them weather the cost of living crisis.”
Brightstart Day Nursery Group, which owns eight premises across the north of England, took the decision to shut down the nursery just two days after workers took industrial action on Wednesday, March 15.
UNISON said the walkout came after the company refused to pay qualified nursery workers more than the real living wage, £10.90 an hour.
The dispute began in September 2022, and union bosses believed they were closing in on an agreement to boost pay earlier this month. However, they said they had not heard from Brightstart since the strike took place, and that their calls for talks late last week have gone unanswered.
They said: "The closure has caused huge disruption for many parents who were unable to attend work today, while staff fear for their futures."
The ECHO has attempted to contact Brightstart Day Nursery Group for comment.
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