The Mirror
·25 Aug 2026
Back-to-school warning as working parents lose £843 caring for poorly children
A poll of 1,000 parents found that 63% had taken time off work to care for an ill child during the school year, losing an average of £843 in earnings. Childhood illnesses also caused stress, use of annual leave and missed work opportunities, while nearly a third of parents sent children back to school before full recovery. Many parents are worried about illness spreading after the return to school, particularly during the first month of term. Tonic Health nutritionist Natalie Louise Burrows recommends nutritious meals, adequate sleep, consistent routines and appropriate vitamin D supplementation, alongside reference to NHS guidance.