Unions want phased approach for schools' return

Representatives meet in new Covid-19 Forum

Representatives of the four biggest teaching unions on the Isle of Man, as well as Prospect and Unite, have met up virtually for the first time in an 'Education Covid-19 Forum'.

They discussed operational considerations, and how they feel schools should be reopened.

Local negotiating secretary of the NASUWT, Geraldine O'Neill, says a phased approach is required:

You can hear the full interview below, with Manx Radio's William King:

The unions NASUWT, NAHT, ASCL, NEU, Prospect and Unite have issued the following joint statement:

"The first meeting held on 6 May, was attended by representatives from ASCL, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, Prospect, UCU and Unite.The Minister was invited, however, he was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. He requested the feedback from the meeting and we have now forwarded that to him. We have provided him and the DESC with a set of questions to be addressed as a starting point for discussion on initial proposals for the phased reopening of educational establishments. The Minister has been invited to attend our next meeting scheduled for next Wednesday, 13 May.
 
"As far as we are aware, schools will not be opening soon beyond the current hubs supporting key workers’ children. There are a lot of H&S considerations and logistical issues to be resolved before there can be any expansion of the current provision. The unions are keen to work together with DESC to make sure that all of these are properly planned and in place so that students and staff are safe. Parents need to have confidence that when schools/UCM do admit more students, this can be done safely.
 
"The aim and purpose of the group is to help provide a centralised agreed response to the challenges facing us all in attempting to implement a way forward re the expansion of educational establishments to both staff and students. We share a common belief that we need the combined expertise of the professionals involved in all of the relevant unions to contribute towards safe systems of work during this pandemic."