'Alarming' new figures reveal Lanarkshire nursery staff absences for mental health issues

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An MSP says she is “alarmed” by new figures highlighting the number of nursery and childminding staff in Lanarkshire absent over the last five years due to mental health issues.In Lanarkshire there were 201 staff absent in 2018-19, but by 2022-23, that had increased to 242 staff.Central Scotland list MSP Meghan Gallacher, of the Scottish Conservatives, says that the findings come against a backdrop of a childcare crisis in Lanarkshire and urged the Scottish Government to fully resource services to ease the pressure on staff who are clearly overwhelmed.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android She said: “These alarming figures point to a mental health crisis among early years and childcare staff in Lanarkshire.“The rising number of stress-related absences among staff in Lanarkshire is extremely grim, but also sadly predictable given the SNP’s unacceptable neglect of the childcare sector in Lanarkshire.“The SNP’s rollout of free childcare has pushed many businesses in Lanarkshire to the brink and also resulted in a major exodus of childminders.“The work that early years and childcare staff in Lanarkshire carry out is invaluable and often allows parents to go back to work.“That only helps boost the local economy in Lanarkshire and supports young families.“It is extremely sad that our childcare staff in