A petition urging employers to provide career breaks for parents of seriously ill children was recently debated in Parliament. The initiative, spearheaded by Christina, a mother from Rayleigh in Essex, has garnered widespread attention and support. Christina's daughter, Skye, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December 2021 at the age of 10. Christina's struggle to balance work and care for her daughter led to her losing her job of 19 years due to an unsympathetic employer.
The petition proposes a legislative change requiring employers to offer career breaks to parents in situations similar to Christina's. This legal amendment aims to protect those who find themselves in such challenging circumstances. Christina's petition has attracted more than 100,000 signatures, reflecting significant public support.
"When I first met Christina two years ago, she told me that she was determined to achieve 100,000 signatures or more for her petition." – Mark Francois
The debate took place in Westminster, with further discussions planned before Easter. Mark Francois, the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, expressed his admiration for Christina's determination and the impact of her campaign.
"It is a very good example of people power in action, and I hope it will yet lead to a positive outcome, not just for Christina but for other families in a serious situation." – Mark Francois
Christina's personal experience and the immediate need for financial support during her daughter's treatment motivated her to take action. She initially relied on donations until state assistance became available, highlighting the financial strain faced by families in similar circumstances.
In response to the petition, Justin Madders, the Department for Business and Trade minister, agreed to meet with Christina to discuss her proposals further. This meeting signifies a potential step towards legislative action that could benefit many families dealing with serious health challenges.
