Commenting on a new report published by the Resolution Foundation
that a third of workers fear catching Covid in the workplace and
that a stronger enforcement regime is needed to ensure workplaces
are as safe as possible, Patrick Roach, General Secretary of the
NASUWT-The Teachers’ Union, said:
“The Government’s plans to extend national restrictions to tackle
the Coronavirus will be seriously undermined if it fails to
ensure that schools and other workplaces are Covid-safe.
“The Government must do whatever it takes to ensure that school
and college employers act swiftly and urgently to ensure that
workplaces are safe for staff and students.
“It is reckless for the Government to assume that the publication
of national guidance is sufficient to ensure that schools and
colleges remain safe whilst the rates of Coronavirus transmission
in the wider community continue to escalate rapidly.
“Whilst the Government has belatedly increased funding for the
Health and Safety Executive, stronger inspection and enforcement
is also needed to ensure that all schools and colleges are as
safe as possible.
“There is widespread evidence of rising Covid-19 transmissions
within schools and colleges which need to be tackled as part of a
credible national plan from the Government to ensure the safety
of staff and pupils.
“The publication of advice by the Government has not been
sufficient to prevent the spread of the virus in primary,
secondary and special schools or in colleges.
“The NASUWT echoes the concerns of the Resolution Foundation that
across the board, health and safety inspections have been cut,
inspections have been slow, and Covid-related enforcement notices
are few and far between.
“Fewer than one in five education settings have been contacted by
telephone by the HSE and fewer than 300 of 23,000 schools have
been visited by the HSE since the start of September. This is
simply not good enough and will do little to inspire public
confidence or to give reassurance to those who are working in
schools at this critically important time.
“If Ministers are to secure the trust of parents and staff
throughout the autumn and winter, they must come forward urgently
in the coming days with a robust and comprehensive plan to ensure
that all schools and colleges are safe whilst they remain open to
all children and young people.
“The Government must also insist that tough action is taken
against those school and college employers that breach health and
safety requirements or guidelines.
“The NASUWT will not hesitate to take appropriate action in order
to protect members whose safety is put at risk as a result of the
failure of employers or the Government to ensure safe working
conditions in schools and colleges.”
