These vital services are currently being delivered to many children and UNISON members have worked hard at creating environments safe for children and staff. It will help no one if further opening up of schools and nurseries brings a greater risk of infection. Councils and Scottish government need to be making sure that the measures in the jointly developed guidelines are delivered on the ground.
Lorraine Thomson, Chair of UNISON Scotland Education Issues Group said
“Employers must ensure that risk assessments are taking place, that staff are aware of these assessments and are trained so that they can work safely. Proper implementation of appropriate mitigations is the only way to keep staff, children and the wider community safe.
UNISON reps have been working throughout the pandemic supporting members in education. Ensuring that their health and safety is a priority. Members who see that guidelines are not being followed should contact their branch to ensure that appropriate action can be taken.”
Notes for editors
A recent UNISON Scotland survey of over 4500 education staff showed
Schools
75% of respondents concerned or very concerned about their safety at work
39% were not aware of any risk assessments following the arrival of the new virus strain
22% who knew of risk assessments were not confident that measures had been put in place to deal with issues raised
60% had had no training of Health and Safety under COVID eg infection control
Early Learning and childcare
70% of respondents concerned or very concerned about their safety at work
30% were not aware of any risk assessments following the arrival of the new virus strain
19% who knew of risk assessments were not confident that measures had been put in place to deal with issues raised
50% had had no training of Health and Safety under COVID for example infection control