Students’ Safety Can’t be Guaranteed by DESC

The gov has said that it may need to close schools to some year groups in response to industrial action.

Members of NASUWT are currently operating under industrial action short of striking as its members seek better pay and conditions.

In a statement issued today, the DESC said it has met with the union to ask its members to reconsider no longer covering break times.

The DESC said: ‘While the department managed to find cover last week to ensure students were safe – this is no longer sustainable and means some schools might be forced to close to certain year groups this week as the safety of students cannot be guaranteed. In this situation parents will be contacted directly by their child’s head teacher.

‘The department is deeply disappointed that the NASUWT continue to escalate the list of actions its members will not carry out – especially following the implementation of the London fringe pay scales and an additional Isle of Man weighting of 1%. This saw all teachers receive an uplift between 2% – 7.6% and was backdated to September 1 2021.’

It also said: ‘Schools will endeavour to operate as normal during this escalation and the safeguarding and wellbeing of children will continue to be at the heart of all decision making. The department continue to invest in the workforce, recognising the value of the profession and the role it plays in the future of our young people and education across the Island whilst remaining committed to actively engage with all unions.’