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Academy chain failing to protect staff and pupils, say unions

UNISON and GMB make formal complaint about David Ross Education Trust to Health and Safety Executive National academy chain the David Ross Education Trust has failed to consult staff properly on Covid-19 risk planning ahead of a wider reopening of its schools, say UNISON and GMB today (Tuesday). The unions have made a formal complaint […]

Article, News on the UNISON East Midlands site.

Lessons to be learned by government after limited schools’ reopening, says UNISON

Rushed government reopening plans have led to guidelines on ‘safe’ class sizes being ignored by ​some schools, according to a survey published by UNISON today (Friday). More than one in five (22%) ​support staff say primary schools have operated class sizes bigger than the 15 pupils per group maximum recommended to maintain social distancing. Nursery school ‘bubbles’ – where infants remain in small protected […]

Article on the UNISON Northern site.

UNISON signs up to the valued worker scheme with Blyth Valley Academy

The scheme is a set of commitments to treat all employees fairly.

Article, News on the UNISON Northern site.

South East counters national trend as number of Covid-19 related deaths increases

Responding to figures published today (Tuesday) by the Office for National Statistics showing that more Covid-19 related deaths are now being recorded in the South East’s care homes than in hospitals, and that the total number of recorded deaths in the region has risen week-on-week, UNISON South East regional secretary Steve Torrance said: “These latest ONS figures […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Government should listen to scientists and pull back from 1 June start date

Independent scientists report says waiting just two weeks would halve the risks

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Covid-19 deep-clean advice for members working in schools

UNISON has been made aware that some schools have been closed as a precaution due to potential risk of exposure to Covid-19, commonly known as Coronavirus. In some instances school cleaners were subsequently instructed to do a deep-clean of the schools. UNISON branches and regions have rightly intervened to stop our members being put at […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Multi-Academy Trust Schools Slammed by MP’s

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a damning report on the issue of Multi-Academy Trust schools (MATs). The report – produced by a cross section of MPs – is highly critical of the MATs model, particularly in regard to the ‘unjustifiably high salaries’ of many senior staff. More than 100 trustees currently earn salaries […]

Article on the UNISON South East site.

Staffing, safety and vulnerable children must be priority for schools’ return, says UNISON

Responding to plans published today (Thursday) by the government for the full return of schools from September, UNISON head of education Jon Richards said: “Everyone wants all children to return to the classroom as soon as possible. There are still issues, though, around staffing and safety. “Test and trace must get a whole lot better for social […]

News on the UNISON South West site.

Plym Academy Trust on strike in pay dispute

Teaching assistants, administration staff and meal time assistants in five Plymouth schools are on strike over pay.

News on the UNISON South West site.

Low-earning school support staff are paying for pupils’ food, skipping meals and taking on multiple jobs to survive

Cash-strapped school support staff are using their own money to help pupils and their families cope with the cost-of-living crisis, says UNISON today (Friday). A ​UK-wide union survey of more than 6,000 school workers reveals staff – including teaching assistants, catering and cleaning workers, librarians and sports coaches – are buying food for hungry pupils, and contributing towards the cost of […]

News on the UNISON South West site.

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials

School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).

News on the UNISON South West site.

Energy bills see schools pull back on ventilation and CO2 monitoring

The lack of any government messaging on COVID has also affected the issue

Article, News on the UNISON National site.

Government must come clean over scale of crumbly concrete in schools

Number of schools with Raac rises to 174

News, Press release on the UNISON National site.

Allow schools to close early as Omicron spreads exponentially, says UNISON 

Stopping the virus in its tracks and keeping pupils and communities safe should be a top priority

News, Press release on the UNISON National site.

Government must act right away to prevent disruption in schools, say unions

It’s not too late for ministers to introduce additional measures to protect pupils, staff and their families before Christmas.

Article on the UNISON National site.