Ms Chris Keates, Acting General Secretary of the NASUWT - The
teachers’ union said:
“On the 16th March 2020 Prime Minister made a public announcement
which underlined the deepening gravity of the situation with
regard to COVID-19 and the national and global crisis we are
facing.
“Unfortunately, his statement failed to give the clear and
definitive directions necessary to enable individuals,
organisations and services to be confident in the decisions they
are making or to provide the reassurance and assurance that
people need at this time.
“All of the announcements continue to be couched as guidance or
advice which is simply serving to increase anxiety and
uncertainty.
“The NASUWT has to date been advising our members in the context
of the advice issued by governments and administrations and
public health bodies across the UK.
“However, the lack of clear information with regard to the steps
to protect teachers, headteachers and other staff working in
schools in the context of commentators constantly referring to
the threats posed by children carrying COVID-19 is causing chaos
and confusion and placing intolerable pressure on all staff in
schools and their families.
“The NASUWT has consistently raised a series of concerns with
Ministers since this national crisis began to unfold and whilst
we have sought not to second guess the science and medical advice
and worked to support members in the increasingly difficult
situation, the lack of specific information for schools
understandably has created a rising sense of panic.
“Schools are struggling with ever diminishing staffing levels and
are being driven to make arrangements for changes to staff
working conditions which have the potential to compromise the
health and safety of staff and pupils. This situation cannot be
allowed to continue.
“The UK Government working with governments and administrations
across the UK must now make a definitive decision about the steps
being taken to protect the school workforce and the closure of
schools.”
