Statement on national address by Prime Minister

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s address, Assistant General Secretary (Voice Community) Deborah Lawson said:

“Given the current uncertainty about the safety of staff, children and their families, we believe that, regrettably, the decision to close all schools and colleges to most students, or not reopen them, is the correct one in the circumstances.

“Schools, colleges and nurseries are normally the best place for pupils to learn, and Voice Community members always prioritise education/childcare and their pupils. However, with the new strain of COVID-19 and the lack of scientific evidence about its transmission, it seems that this is a necessary measure, which we hope will be for as limited a period as possible to ensure the safety of all.

“We urge the Government to take this opportunity to put in place plans for testing of children and staff, both in early years settings, that remain open fully, and in schools, and urge them to prioritise the vaccination of staff in early years settings and education, so that further disruptions can be limited.

“We welcome the Government’s decision to work with stakeholders on alternative arrangements to examinations.

“With many members in the early years and childcare, we are greatly concerned by the damage the pandemic has done to this sector, and, without support from the Government, we fear this damage may be irreparable.

“As a union that represents members across all aspects of education, from early years to university, we will continue to work with the Government and employers to ensure that workplaces are safe for our members and those under their care and ensuring that these members, the heartbeat of the workplace and their community, continue to have a voice.”

Further information

Prime Minister's address to the nation: 4 January 2021

National lockdown rules apply in England. 

Further comments:

Assistant General Secretary (Voice Community) Deborah Lawson on BBC Radio Derby, 5 January 2021:

.@VoiceGenSec on .@BBCDerby: “We agree education best delivered face-to-face, but in the current circumstances, [school closures] the right decision.”

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

“We proposed remote learning to government before Christmas.” https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec “There are problems with the timescale on which decisions are being made. They are reactive not proactive.” https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec The Government should have seen the “writing on the wall.”

A spike in cases was expected. https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec With our school workforce – & early years workforce where settings remain open – there are high levels of concern especially in areas with high infection rates.Schools remain open for vulnerable children & children of key workers so some staff in schools every day.” https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec Staff need to engage with headteachers and make sure risk assessments are reviewed and updated.

Testing of staff and pupils should go ahead. https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec “We shouldn’t underestimate the passion and dedication of our education workforce.”

“They will do their best but they are an exhausted workforce.”

Many worked though holidays as plans were changed by government several times. https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021

.@VoiceGenSec “Constant U-turns are not helpful and undermine the confidence of those delivering education.”

.@CommunityUnion https://t.co/GAG7tHNmBT

— Voice Community (@Voicetheunion) January 5, 2021