PACK UPDATE AUGUST 7TH: UNISON has produced an information pack and safety checklist for members working in schools and early years. UNISON stress we need risk assessments, staff training and clear guidance on safe working practices. Trade unions must be involved in local planning to ensure agreement round safe opening of schools and early learning centres.
The purpose of this pack is to make trade union involvement a reality on the ground for our growing number of members in schools. Staff have skills, they know their jobs. They must be included at the start of any local planning of expansion and reopening. Risk assessments and then action to mitigate risks need to be in place to ensure that children and staff are safe. This is no time for short cuts.
We need risk assessments, staff training and clear guidance on safe working practices. Trade unions must be involved in local planning to ensure agreement round safe opening of schools and early learning centres.
Lorraine Thomson, chair of UNISON’s education issues group said: “Education staff can’t avoid close contact with children, especially young children. They comfort children, give medicines, support children with disabilities, support children in the dining room and playground and classroom. The safety of all is vital and we need to all be properly prepared.”
The purpose of this pack is to make trade union involvement a reality on the ground for our growing number of members in schools. Staff have skills, they know their jobs.
They must be included at the start of any local planning of expansion and reopening. Risk assessments and then action to mitigate risks need to be in place to ensure that children and staff are safe. This is no time for short cuts.
If you would like to take train for a role at your workplace in promoting Covid 19 safety please contact your branch.
