Threat to sue schools over Covid-19 risk ‘scandalous’: Jim Allister

A trade union’s warning that schools could face legal action if teachers are put at coronavirus risk on their return to the classroom has been branded a “scandalous” threat by Jim Allister.
By Mark Rainey
Published 8th Aug 2020, 11:27 BST
Updated 9th Aug 2020, 16:58 BST
Many classrooms have been empy in Northern Ireland since March due to the coronavirus pandemicMany classrooms have been empy in Northern Ireland since March due to the coronavirus pandemic
Many classrooms have been empy in Northern Ireland since March due to the coronavirus pandemic

The TUV leader was commenting after the NASUWT said a letter had been sent to all schools – warning that teaching staff must not be “endangered” as a result of the Education Minister’s plan for schools return later this month.

NASUWT official Justin McCamphill told the BBC’s Nolan Show he had “no confidence at all” in minister Peter Weir’s proposals to ensure a safe return for pupils and staff, and added: “We are warning that this is a major issue and that we will be prepared to take legal action against schools who do endanger our members, and have written to all employing authorities pointing that out.”

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Schools have been closed since March due to the pandemic but are due to reopen for the start of the new term.

However, a number of teachers’ unions have voiced concerns that the recommended social distancing measures will not be possible in many existing school buildings.

Responding to the NASUWT’s letter, Mr Allister said: “Schools returned in most of Europe months ago and it is frankly scandalous that the unions should be threatening this. Parents, children and most teachers want to get back to delivering a full curriculum in a classroom setting. That’s what is planned for the rest of the UK and indeed the Republic come September and frankly the NASUWT needs to pull in their horns.”

Mr Allister added: “Distance learning frequently doesn’t take account of individual children’s needs and there is limited interaction with the teacher. Functioning schools are essential for the mental and educational welfare of children.

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“There is an onus on society to ensure that we do not fail a generation of children. That is a very real danger if this goes on much longer. It is worrying that the NASUWT appears to have so little concern about this.”

Jacquie White of the Ulster Teachers’ Union also voiced concern about safety, but said UTU members “want nothing more than a full return”.

Ms White highlighted that the infection rate is rising, and that the mandatory wearing of face coverings in other enclosed spaces has been brought forward, and added: “Yet in terms of children the social distancing has been relaxed. We haven’t seen what the minister has based this on.”

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Related topics:BBCSchoolsPeter WeirEducation Minister