The video will start in 8 Cancel

The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

MPs have also voiced their frustration and echoed calls for terms to be staggered after it emerged holiday prices can burn an extra £1,000 in family pockets in August alone.

Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner said: “It’s not right that kids’ education is being used to exploit hard-working families.”

Now, it appears that cross-party politicians and organisations want to bring an end to the outrageous prices that whack parents who can’t take their children out during term time.

Travel industry chiefs have defended rising prices and instead called on the Government to stagger holidays.

(Image: GETTY)

(Image: GETTY)

But, teaching unions have told Government officials to instead bash the travel companies and force them to drive down costs.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, told The Daily Mirror: “Eye-watering, rip off holiday prices mean many families choose to take their kids out of school or simply don’t get a break at all.

“It’s not right that children’s education is being used to exploit hard-working parents in this way.”

A spokesman for ABTA, an industry body, responded to the controversy, adding: “If school holiday dates were staggered, this would help to alleviate sharp peaks and spread demand over a longer period of time.”

(Image: GETTY) (Image: GETTY)

Travel firm Thomas Cook also pitched in: “We have suggested and are supportive of staggered school holiday dates by region to help reduce the pressures of peak holiday demand.”

The Government’s strict policy against taking pupils out during term time has led thousands of parents being fined.

Department of Education statistics revealed penalty notices shot up by 75% in one year with unauthorised absences making up 85.4% of cases.

In 2017/18, parents were whacked with £10million worth of fines for not getting permission. These ranged from £60 to £120 if they don’t pay up within 21 days.