UNISON the trade union for education staff’s response to the First Minister’s announcement that schools return from 11 August 2020
Lorraine Thomson, chair of UNISON’s Education Issues Group said: “Education staff, more than anyone understand the importance of getting kids back to school. It is vital for children’s development and the Scottish economy that we do so as quickly and safely as we can.
Crucial to ensuring a safe return is that schools get a regular deep clean that’s why UNISON will continue to raise the needs school cleaners, janitors and other staff who have a role to play in getting kids back safely into schools.
Pupil support workers and teaching assistants work up close with children so UNISON continues to seek details of additional surveillance and testing regimes for schools and early learning establishments.”
Johanna Baxter, UNISON’s head of local government said: “UNISON welcome the extra funding announced today by the First Minister, and that she recognises some schools might need a phased return and the recognition that we need a whole school approach to ensure that education staff and pupils can return safely.
However, while welcome, these additional funds must be put in the context that there is more than a £1bn funding gap for local government in Scotland. This challenge is not going away and we need a serious discussion about the future of local government funding to protect jobs and services going forward.”
Notes
UNISON is the trade union that represents all education staff including: cleaners, pupil support, teaching assistants, administrators, technicians, librarians and other support staff.
UNISON is the largest trade union in Scotland.
UNISON Contacts
John Gallacher, head of bargaining: 07904 342426
Johanna Baxter, head of local government: 07817 120894
Danny Phillips, communications officer: 07944 664110