SHOPWORKERS’ union Usdaw is to lobby the government for a cap on how much holiday companies can raise their prices during school holidays.

Families and teachers face huge 126 per cent — £1,903 — rises for going on holiday in August instead of June, the union’s annual conference heard today.

Moving the successfully backed motion, North Midlands Area Tesco delegate Sandra Webb said: “Many parents choose to take their children out of school during term time and pay the fine because it’s cheaper than paying full prices — unfortunately, teachers don’t have that option.

“Time away, whether in the UK or abroad, provides vital experiences and helps improve mental wellbeing: children especially are suffering from the rise of social media and screen fatigue.

“The profit should not be at the expense of ordinary families; we call on the government to engage holiday companies and consider a price cap on holiday rates.”