Government u-turn on face masks

GMB wrote to the Education Secretary back in mid-July challenging

28 August 2020

GMB trade union says, Face covering u-turn shows Ministers must listen to workers.

GMB Union wrote to the Education Secretary in July challenging the Government’s position on face coverings

GMB, the union for school staff, says the Government's u-turn on face coverings shows Ministers must learn to listen to workers.

Karen Leonard, GMB National Officer, said:

“GMB wrote to the Education Secretary back in mid-July challenging the Government’s position on face coverings in school during the pandemic.

“Schools know social distancing will be extremely difficult and large ‘bubbles’ present a COVID-19 risk. All we wanted was for staff who felt the need to wear a mask not to be actively discouraged from doing so.

“The Government appears to be ignoring the science in order to avoid a political hit. Now they’ve performed yet another u-turn.

“It’s time Ministers learned to listen to the concerns of the school staff who will be instrumental in keeping our schools safe and, importantly, open.”

Schools and colleges to reopen in full in September

GMB understands it is an anxious time for our school and college staff members when the schools and colleges fully reopen in September and we have been clear throughout the pandemic that your health and safety is paramount including those of the pupils, their parents, and the wider community.

Therefore can we remind you all to please familiarise yourself with your individual school's risk assessment and take time to read through it prior to the re-opening, Please contact your Headteacher in the first instance if you have not had communication or sight of the risk assessment. If you have any queries or concerns please contact your branch on the contact details below for further information and support. Contact your GMB Branch immediately if you are required to work without a risk assessment being carried out.

Please click on the link below to see the government's Guidance for full opening on schools.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-campaign-launches-to-get-children-back-to-school-safely

GMB North West & Irish Region