Responding to the announcement from the Education Minister, UNISON Cymru Wales lead officer for schools Rosie Lewis said,
“UNISON welcomes the announcement by the Education Minister this afternoon that all secondary schools in Wales will close to pupils and move to online learning for the remainder of term.
“Earlier this month, we wrote to the Minister requesting a move to this position based on the worrying evidence of the R rate in Wales rising and the significant increase in the number of pupil’s and staff needing to self-isolate and in some areas schools having to close to all pupils.
“The need for all staff in schools to have a proper break during the Christmas period without the added worry that they may have to self-isolate or worse still test positive along with the same concerns for parents was fundamental to our request.
“It will be extremely disappointing for support staff in primary schools who are feeling particularly anxious that this decision does not extend to primary settings which is what UNISON had requested. I want to take this opportunity to recognise the commitment and tenacity that all school support staff have shown in very demanding circumstances and thank them for their continued dedication.”
Contact
Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer on 07816 53 83 97