‘Seriously ridiculous’ - What Gazette readers think about new childcare rules under North East 'lockdown-style' restrictions

Gazette readers have had their say on childcare rules.

As of 12am on Friday, September 18, new Covid-19 restrictions were enforced across the borough and neighbouring councils.

The council had asked the Department of Health Social Care to allow people to enter other households for the purposes of childcare while the main carer was at work.

But that request was rejected by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, with the Government saying only professional, registered childcare can be used – though if a relative is in a “support bubble” with a family, that is permitted.

Council leaders have now written to the Government asking them to reverse the decision so families can continue to rely on friends and relatives for help.

Here’s what you said on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Wayne Anderson: "Somebody hasn't thought this through. Lets hope all our doctors, nurses and school teachers don't need family to help them.”

Ami Rushton: "Is the government going to offer free childcare for people who have to go to work? I rely on my family for childcare to go to work and will continue to do so. I couldn't afford to send my 2 year old to a childminder or a private nursery.”

Mary King: "Are the govt going to pay for all of these children to get a registered childminder to take to pick up and look after the children before/after school until parents finish work.”

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Lauren Mccoy: "So doctors nurses and carers who play critical roles now can’t go to work. Absolutely laughable what childminders work unsociable hours? Are employers going to make adaptions for this I think not.”

Kayleigh Wynne: “My kids Nana and Granda are both in our support bubble as they are both by themselves. Thank god and anyway even if they weren’t I wouldn’t be stopping me kids seeing them they’ve done that once and I wouldn’t dare do it to them again.”

Lisa Robson: “So people have to quit their jobs as they have no childcare? Seriously ridiculous.”

Graham Henderson: “And how will they know who is in your bubble? As far as I’m aware there isn’t a bubble list. Stupid, confusing rules that will be impossible to enforce.