What rights do we have?

[RiaRoth]

Work in Further Ed. Had to go into work today for a full facility meeting regarding enrolment in the next few days. 50 staff in the meeting in one room. Speaker not wearing a mask.

Hand sanitzers were dotted around outside of the room but that was about it. Handed around pens to share etc. Paperwork to be handled by all staff members.

Also announced back to full time teaching no allowances in class sizes, if possible there will be an area for the teacher to stand in class but oten not 2m from students. Students can not be 2m away from each other.

No money for extra cleaning that is down to us. No masks to be worn in classrooms. Many classrooms with no opening windows.

It is so different from the rest of society.

Can we refuse to work?
Can we ask for more protection eg smaller classes, blended learning, mask wearing?

Or is is a matter of if you dont like it then leave?

Dont get me started on the actual enrolment of over 2500 students in the next few days. All getting a face to face interview.....

I think your first stop would be your union rep - you won't be the only one with concerns. I guess striking is our only option - you can imagine how that would go down. Or resignation. And I suspect it may come to that for many people.

What is NATFHE doing about all this?

Union Rep has raised the issues but enrolment seems to be "different" to actual teaching. We are trying to follow this up now.

Everyone is muttering but it is very hard to be able to speak or contact management - they too seem to be on holiday in Scotland

We would feel safer if basic practices were in place and SLT were leading by example

Have you been given the risk assessment? If not, you should have been so request it.

Do you mean you have to pay for your own cleaning fluids If you want to do extra cleaning of your area? That’s not ok. Cleaning should be listed in the risk assessment.

Also, check the government guidance. Have all the points been covered in the risk assessment?

Have you had a copy of the risk assessment? Any Covid training? We’ve to wear masks in public areas but not in classrooms (or Staffroom unless we want to) We’ve got spray and towels and instructions as to when we’ve to clean things.

I have asked for risk assesment but it is yet to appear.....

Enrolment is not taking place in normal classrooms so there should be a different risk assessment for this situation. I feel there is not one.

Union rep is now invovled and staff are refusing some tasks due to safety issues....

Blimey how big was the room and were you all spaced apart? My SEN school have stopped all staff meetings and when we go back in September for staff training will be in small groups rather than whole school in the hall.

I've got a similar problem. Year R in a federated primary. SLT have decided that both schools will do inset together next week. Goes against their own risk assessment. I've emailed with concerns, still waiting for a response.

We're having a federated INSET, completely via zoom. Staff have been told NOT to go into school.