28.05.2020 / News / Covid-19

Opposition to the re-opening of schools on 1st June, 2020

The government has announced its intention to reopen schools on 1st June across the UK for early years pupils, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6.* However, the National Education, and all other trade unions with members in the education sector including GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, UNISON and Unite, are urging teachers not to return on 1st June because it is not safe to do so.

Confirmation that the NEU and other trade unions are right and that it is not safe to open schools is supported by The British Medical Association – the largest trade union for doctors – together with the independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

Sir David King, who chairs SAGE has said that “by going ahead with this dangerous decision, the government is further risking the health of our communities and the likelihood of a second spike”.

The BMA council’s chair, Chaand Nagpaul has said “We cannot risk a second spike or take actions which would increase the spread of this virus, particularly as we see sustained rates of infection across the UK.”

LSWU, our sector for legal workers, has also released a statement of solidarity with NEU.

The NEU has laid out 5 tests to be met before it is safe to reopen schools which you can read here. UVW stands with the NEU in their commitment to defy government calls to reopen schools which could put the health, safety and even lives of students, teachers and the general public in jeopardy.

UVW urges anyone working in education to join the NEU which you can do here.

More information on schools can be found on our site.

*The government has made an exception for children with at least one primary caregiver who is classified as a ‘key worker’ and is providing essential goods and services.

Photograph: James Veysey/Rex/Shutterstock