Unions' concerns following UCM opening plans

Four unions have issued a statement following plans to expand attendance at UCM to children of non-key workers from next week.

The NASUWT, NAHT, Unite and Prospect say they're shocked and haven't been consulted.

As a result, they're calling on the Education Department to suspend any plans to do this and are asking for a joint Covid-19 Response Team to be set up.

The team would then establish guidelines to apply across the education sector to ensure the health and safety of all parties.

The unions want an agreed plan for the reopening of all schools when, and only when, it is safe to do so.