It's as if covid never happened and they are playing Russian
roulette, says one of more than 2,600 respondents
Less than half of school support staff have received covid-19
health and safety training, a GMB back to school survey has
shown.
In the poll of more than 2,600 teaching assistants, caretakers,
admin and catering staff from across England, 51% answered no to
the question ‘have you had training on Covid-19 health and safety
measures and working practices including infection control and
correct use of PPE?
The survey also shows more than 66% are anxious about the return
to school, with more than 60% of those who responded. Saying they
had physical symptoms of the stress, like stomach cramps and not
being able to sleep.
One respondent said:
“The measures put in place do nothing to ease my fears, having a
vulnerable person in my family. I don't feel comfortable eating
at school, as we eat in the classroom and I don't feel safe, so I
am going all day without food. I am only sleeping 3-4 hours a
night with stress, so I don't know how long I can keep going. I
feel the Government is treating school staff as collateral
damage…… There is no chance of distancing. In two days I have had
an attempt to bite me and been spat at.”
Another added:
“It's as though covid never happened and they are playing Russian
roulette.”
Stuart Fegan National Officer said:
“The experiences of our members show schools are being used as a
political football and have been reopened before they are truly
safe.
“Basic health and safety training around COVID-19 should be a
minimum for all school staff, it’s a shocking that less than only
half have been provided with it.
“It’s no wonder our members are anxious about the return to
school. School staff love their jobs, provide excellent care for
children and are doing everything that has been asked of them.
“But Government guidance is muddled, they don’t have enough PPE
or training and the testing and tracking system is a complete
mess – which is leaving our members exposed.”
