GMB, THE union for school support staff, has warned that the government’s plans to reopen schools risks playing ‘Russian roulette” with staff and children’s health. 

Last week, in a televised address to the nation, prime minister Boris Johnson revealed plans to reopen the UK after being in lockdown for seven weeks. 

As part of those plans the Department for Education (DfE) said it is aiming to get primary pupils back into schools, in stages, starting with reception, Year 1 and Year 6, at the earliest by June 1.

However the plans have come under fire from unions representing school support staff and teachers. 

GMB has called for an urgent meeting with the secretary of state for education in England, Gavin Williamson, to discuss the evidence and concerns. 

The call follows the main education unions – AEP, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, NSEAD, Prospect, UNISON and Unite – sending a joint letter to Williamson outlining six tests that they feel need to be met to ensure a safe return to schools for staff and pupils. 

Among the six tests outlined in the letter were:

• No increase in pupil numbers until full rollout of a national test and trace scheme
• A national Covid-19 education taskforce with government, unions and education stakeholders to agree statutory guidance for safe reopening of schools
• Consideration of the specific needs of vulnerable students and families facing economic disadvantage
• Additional resources for enhanced school cleaning, PPE and risk assessments

Karen Leonard, GMB National Officer, said that whilst staff are keen to return to work and normality, there could be no risks to staff and pupil’s health and that tis involved carrying out thorough risk assesments. 

She said: “The secretary of state for education said he’s is being guided by the evidence. Well GMB demands he shows us that evidence.  

“Schools across Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have no plans to widen their opening of school, yet this government is playing Russian roulette with the lives of our school support staff  – and children – in England.  

Leonard added: “GMB’s position is clear. Whilst school staff are keen to get back to work, we need guarantees that employers and the Government will put measures in place to eliminate and minimise risks to staff in catching the virus.  

“Right now, we haven’t had those assurances, so we’re asking for an urgent meeting with the secretary of state to convey our concerns before we move any further towards opening schools.” 

The call follows the publication of a series of measures  by Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary  of teachers’ union NASUWT outlining steps to be taken if  government ministers must meet if they are planning to reopen schools.