Coronavirus: joint union guidance for medically higher risk staff
Covid-19 guidance for medically higher risk staff Spring/Summer 2022
Coronavirus continues to affect education, education professionals and the communities we serve. Below is an update for all NEU branch and district officers about how the union continues to respond to the pandemic.
Safety demands
The NEU has called on the Government to have a plan B for schools. See our safety demands here.
The updates that have been made to Government guidance are last minute and partial. NEU and other education unions have published updated guidance to minimise the risk of Covid-19 spread and any disruption to education. The joint unions have also published updated guidance for staff at greater risk.
Read and download the latest joint union safety checklist here.
-
Advice
-
Advice
Coronavirus: ventilation and temperature
Ventilating indoor work areas is a key control measure in reducing Covid-19 transmission.
Model letter
NEU branches are encouraged to edit and send this model letter to their director of public health in order to request further mitigations to be implemented against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant locally.
Maximising participation in local meetings
Following the extraordinary work of the NEU during the pandemic, members are better connected with the union and each other than ever before. As we move back towards in-person meetings, consideration must be given to how we build on this engagement with members, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
Attending a local branch or district meeting is the next step for workplace activists and should be a place where they are welcome and feel connected to the discussions taking place. Barriers to engagement will often be highly contextual. Our task is to identify these barriers and do whatever we can to remove them. Use this guide to help you plan and organise meetings that reflect the makeup of our union membership, inspire activism and engage new reps. #
Safety of staff, parents and students
As branch and district officers you have been at the forefront of negotiations and discussions with your local authorities, local employers and public health authorities during Coronavirus.
Continuing this work will be critical in shaping education in your area. Below is a letter we recently sent with other sister unions to all local authorities and public health authorities in England.
The NEU's advice for branches on engaging with public health authorities on wider local responses considers how to engage effectively with those authorities and also how to address issues in schools and colleges facing outbreaks. You can also read our NEU advice for members and reps on when and how schools and colleges should respond to outbreaks.
During this time, we are asking NEU workplace groups to take the following steps relating to safety in their workplace available here.
Guidance for Officers
Coronavirus: vaccination
The NEU strongly urges all members who are able to receive the COVID vaccine to take it. Here are frequently asked questions on vaccination for education staff.
Resources
How to hold a successful digital members or reps meeting
We have this short guide to help you deliver a digital meetings of reps and even members to discuss the checklist and ensure we represent members views collectively in discussion with your leadership teams.
Rep recruitment drive
Many members have already stepped up to become NEU reps and to become part of rep teams to help during the COVID-19 crisis.
If there is a member who wants to be a rep in your area, even supporting an existing rep, we are encouraging them to indicate they want to get involved using our form here.
Support for you
We are asking you as local branch and district officers to support reps and members during this time, if you require further assistance, please contact your region/Wales office.