Education minister defends attempt to reopen schools for a half day on snow day

But Daphne Caine can't confirm if teaching staff will be paid for the day missed

The education minister says an attempt to reopen schools for half a day on last week's snow day was based on information received that there would be a 'small improvement' in the weather.

On Monday 5 January, an amber warning was in place for snow and ice and there was significant disruption to services across the Island. 

The announcement to close the schools, initially due at 7am, was then 20 minutes late.

In the House of Keys this morning (13 January), Education Minister Daphne Caine said the Strategic Coordinating Group held detailed discussions with all agencies on the ground: 

Meanwhile, the education minister can't confirm if teaching staff will be paid for this month's snow day.

It's been revealed in the House of Keys that a staff briefing was sent out stating government employees who stayed at home would not be paid. 

Daphne Caine confirmed her department is aware of the communication and is liaising with central HR and headteachers as the decision to close schools was the department's. 

However, Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK, Jason Moorhouse called for a review 'as quickly as possible':