Devolution means that guidance may be different across the four UK countries and updates may be announced at different times.
- UK wide and England-specific updates will be placed on this page.
- UNISON Cymru/Wales will post updates on its website and Facebook page.
- UNISON Scotland will post updates on its website and Facebook page.
- UNISON Northern Ireland will post updates on its website.
January 2022 update
UNISON’s Schools Committee has produced a statement on the current Covid staffing crisis, including requests for support staff to cover lessons, and the Westminster government guidance that says schools in England should consider merging classes. The statement also contains advice for members on cover issues in England.
Omicron and updated risk assessments
It is a legal requirement that schools review and update risk assessments, in consultation with union reps and staff. In light of the much more transmissible Omicron variant it is critical that these revised procedures should be clearly communicated to staff, students, parents/carers, contractor staff, visitors and visiting workers.
If you have not yet seen a copy of your school’s updated risk assessment then email your school requesting an urgent copy before schools reopen.
Omicron variant – updated advice for staff with underlying health conditions, pregnant staff and those unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons
The position of the most vulnerable staff should be addressed through an individual risk assessment by your employer.
In addition, until we know more about the effects of the omicron variant, although it is not a government requirement, UNISON urge all employers to permit staff who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) and pregnant women to work from home – see Model letter to request home working. The Local Government Association’s most recent advice to local authorities and schools is clear that CEV staff in particular should be offered individual risk assessments and that their requests to continue working from home should be properly considered and granted unless there are compelling reasons not to do so. Where an employee’s role cannot be undertaken from home a temporary redeployment may be agreed to duties that can be undertaken from home – contact your local rep or branch if you need more advice on this
Vulnerable staff should also be offered the ‘option’ of a non-front-facing role with FFP2/FFP3 masks provided.
In addition, we know staff with underlying health conditions will in many circumstances need to seek medical advice about a return to work in these circumstances. Due to the huge pressure on the NHS and GPs right now, the government has recently extended the period of self-certification for sickness absence from 7 to 28 days https://www.gov.uk/taking-sick-leave
Face mask rules for primary staff and secondary staff and students – current rules in England
The Department for Education has updated its policy to recommend that from January 2022, face coverings are worn in classrooms where pupils in year 7 and above are educated. This is in addition to existing guidance that face coverings should be worn by pupils, staff and adult visitors when moving around the premises outside of classrooms, such as in corridors and communal areas. Secondary pupils should also continue to wear face coverings on public and school transport.
In primary schools, under DfE Guidance, face coverings should be worn by staff and adults (including visitors) when moving around in corridors and communal areas.
Safe schools for all
UNISON strongly opposed the government’s decision to remove mitigations in schools back in summer 2021. We warned at the time that it would lead to increased levels of educational disruption and illness which was unfortunately borne out in the Autumn term. UNISON called on schools themselves to implement additional safety measures.
Our joint union checklist describes the measures you can ask your employer to implement to keep schools safe in this stage of the pandemic.
Read the joint union checklist (Jan 2022) here
UNISON published joint union guidance with NEU, GMB and Unite to explain the current government guidance for clinically vulnerable people. You can also find extra advice in the FAQs below. Please contact your branch if you have any concerns.
Read the advice for clinically vulnerable members (Jan 2022) here
The health and safety responsibilities owed by school and college employers
School staff have a right to a safe working environment and individuals shouldn‘t have to work where they reasonably believe that they (or others) face serious and imminent danger. The following link outlines main health and safety legislation, including your rights not to face serious and imminent danger at work (Section 44 ECRA 1996). UNISON branches can advise members how to use their rights if you feel you are being put at serious or imminent risk.
Download further information on Schools and colleges’ health and safety responsibilities
If you have any concerns about your working environment or what you are being asked to do, please contact your branch for further advice.
Early years
UNISON believes that early years staff should have the same rights and protections as other education workers. We know that staff are unable to apply social distancing within early years settings, placing them at increased risk.
The DfE have issued guidance for early years settings on coronavirus removing many restrictions placed on settings during the pandemic, leaving decisions on the safety of settings to employers.
Please see the FAQs below for more information.
Can I refuse to attend work if I believe that my workplace is unsafe?
Members who work in early years have a right to a safe working environment and we continue to pressure the Government and employers to ensure this. Individuals should not have to work where they reasonably believe that they (or others) face serious and imminent danger.
Please contact your local UNISON branch for further advice and support.
What if I have a question?
A full list of FAQs for school support staff and early years staff in England is provided below, but are currently being updated in light of the fast-moving Omicron situation (See links at the top of the page for advice in Scotland, Cymru/Wales and Northern Ireland).
If you are concerned about safety issues in your school or think that agreements are not being followed, please get in touch with your local UNISON branch.
Contact my branch
For more information about your rights at work please visit our dedicated web page
.png)
