As school support staff, we are on the frontline in the struggle against COVID-19. From teaching assistants, caretakers and administrators to cleaners, technicians and caterers, we are putting ourselves at risk to keep our children safe.
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to go above and beyond to protect, support and educate our children—but we expect the same support and protection from the government and our employers.
Sadly, the support we have received from the government has been unclear, confused and completely inadequate. As school support staff, we are being put at risk to satisfy the government’s aim to get pupils back to school and parents back to work.
We support getting our children back to school, but this should be done safely and sensibly.
In the absence of proper government support, we need to build our collective voice at work through our trade union UNISON to guarantee our health and safety, protect our normal pay when we are absent due to COVID-19 and to ensure that our children are safe. We all play a vital role in school life—but we need all members to get active to strengthen our collective voice at work.
Please read our latest schools newsletter to find out how you can get involved and for an update on the current situation in schools.
UNISON In Schools: It's time to stand up for school support staff
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