The Council HR department have issued current advice regarding clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding) and clinically vulnerable (non-shielding) school based employees, with regards to being able to work.

Staff who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. These staff have been identified as having a serious underlying health condition which puts them at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus and have been advised by their clinician or through a letter from the NHS to rigorously follow shielding measures in order to keep themselves safe. It is not expected that people in this category will be attending school and they should continue to work at home as much as possible. 

Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) who are at higher risk of severe illness (for example, people with some pre-existing conditions as set out in the Staying at home and away from others (social distancing) guidance) have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing might have also received a letter but this is not to be confused with a shielding letter.

Where possible, these employees should work from home, and . Education and childcare settings should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home.

If clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible, although the individual may choose to take on a role that does not allow for this distance if they prefer to do so. If they have to spend time within 2 metres of other people, settings must carefully assess and discuss with them whether this involves an acceptable level of risk

Please note:

•a member of staff who lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, can attend school.

•if a staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding, it is advised they only attend school if stringent social distancing can be adhered to. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, it is advised for those staff to not attend. They should be supported to work at home.

•staff should not attend if they have symptoms or are self-isolating due to symptoms in their household.

•protective measures will be put in place for staff and pupils, as far as is possible, to ensure that the risk of transmission is reduced.

COVID-19 FAQ FOR SCHOOLS STAFF

 UNISON, NEU, GMB and Unite. have issued a new Planning Guide for schools

This is a commentary on recent Department for Education guidance and a checklist for branches and members to use to ask questions of employers, who are following government guidance and proposing to prematurely significantly increase the number of pupils going to primary schools from June 1^st.

read the guide here 

Should you have any concerns or questions email us at wolvesunison@outlook.com

Education unions agree statement on the safe reopening of schools


It has been signed by UNISON, AEP, GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, NSEAD, Prospect and Unite.
Full text of today’s statement:
“We all want schools to re-open, but that should only happen when it is safe to do so. The government is showing a lack of understanding about the dangers of the spread of coronavirus within schools, and outwards from schools to parents, sibling and relatives, and to the wider community.
“Uniquely, it appears, school staff will not be protected by social distancing rules. 15 children in a class, combined with their very young age, means that classrooms of 4 and 5-year olds could become sources of Covid-19 transmission and spread.  While we know that children generally have mild symptoms, we do not know enough about whether they can transmit the disease to adults. We do not think that the government should be posing this level of risk to our society.
“We call on the government to step back from the 1st June and work with us to create the conditions for a safe return to schools based on the principles and tests we have set out.”
The principles and tests include:

• Safety and welfare of pupils and staff as the paramount principle
• 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
• Local autonomy to close schools where testing indicates clusters of new covid-19 cases

UNISON  and the National Education Union, have told members “not to engage” with school reopening plans until further guidance is  issued.

There for You launches COVID-19 response fund

New fund will help members facing particular need because of the pandemic


GO HERE

Support for family and friends of deceased members

We are so saddened to hear of members dying from COVID-19, including so many who have died in the line of duty, as they try to help others in this unprecedented time.

We want you to know that if you’re the family or friend of a UNISON member that has died, we’re here to help.