GMB say country's young people 'left to suffer' as 34 per cent of children centres slashed since 2010
'Unwarranted' closure of services up and down the country leaves 'ticking timebomb' for nation's youth according to union.
GMB says England’s young people are being left to suffer with 34 per cent of the country’s children’s centres closing since 2010.
Figures obtained by the Labour party under a Freedom of Information request reveal 1,240 centres have closed since the Conservatives came to power.
In 2010 there were 3,632 children’s centre – now there are just 2390, with one further centre offering a reduced service.
More than 230 have been lost in the past year alone.
GMB described the drop as creating a ‘ticking timebomb’ for young people.
Sharon Wilde, GMB National Officer for schools, said:
“These unwarranted closures are nothing short of a scandal – and our kids will end up paying the price.
“Children’s centres are vital for community cohesion and provide much-needed advice, help and activities for the next generation.
“This relentless stripping away of our young people’s services is leaving our children to suffer.
“It’s a self-defeating policy which will create a ticking time bomb for us all.”
