A preschool age child playing with plastic building blocks, January 24, 2016
POVERTY is blighting the lives of an increasing number of young children, according to research published today, which shows that most health visitors have reported a rise in the number of families affected.
Almost nine in 10 respondents to a survey by the Institute of Health Visiting said they had seen an increase in the use of foodbanks, while half reported more families skipping meals as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Health visitors work with families with babies and young children under five across Britain identify health needs as early as possible.
The FBU is demanding 52 weeks of full pay for women firefighters, highlighting the unique health risks they face — and the continuing need to recruit and retain more women if policies like this are still not in place, writes SEONA HART