UNISON has consistently opposed the expansion of pupil numbers in primary schools and nurseries in England on 1st June. We believe that it increases the risks to pupils, staff, parents and the wider community, especially in coronavirus hotspots such as Blackpool.  Many councils and schools have agreed with UNISON and are delaying the expanded return to work. Unfortunately, the government is pressing ahead with its plans and some schools are set to open more widely from Monday 1st June, including here in Blackpool.

UNISON has issued advice for our members working in schools that are planning to reopen in June.  This can be found here.  Please read this advice very carefully. It outlines a series of steps you must take if you have serious specific concerns that returning to work will endanger your health or if your school’s plans are not adequate.

If you are thinking of submitting one of the letters included in the new materials, please read them thoroughly and look at your specific circumstances before sending them and before contacting your branch. However, if you fit the criteria and have carried out the steps and have specific concerns then contact the branch (01253 478492 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before you send any of these new letters.

We understand this is an extremely stressful time and we are committed to doing all we can to support you. UNISON will support you if you believe your health and safety is at serious risk if you go into school on 1st June.

UNISON has produced FAQ's for school staff in England.  These can be downloaded here.

They cover:

• Operational issues
• Pay
• Easter and weekend working
• Health and safety
• Home working

The NJC guidance contained within these FAQs applies to England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Links to UNISON websites for the develoved nations are also included.

For all the latest Covid-19 information for school support staff: https://www.unison.org.uk/at-work/education-services/key-issues/covid-19-closures/

New (23rd March, 2020) joint guidance has been issued by the NJC joint secretaries on Covid-19, with a focus on critical workers durring the Coronavirus outbreak.  This can be downloaded here.  This is applicable to Council, School, BCH and other workers who are employed on NJC Terms & Condition.

GOV.UK has a page of Coronavirus guidance for local government which is updated regularly.  It lncludes sections on Schools, Housing and Social Care.  It can be found here

Blackpool Unlimited has produced some guidance for employers and businesses durring the Coronavirus outbreak which may be worth knowing if your employer says they cannot continue your employment.  Just point them to the advice on the Job Retention Scheme and enciurage them to use it.  The webpage can be found here.

UNISON has published some further guidance for social care workers.  This can be found here

UNISON has compiled guidance on your employment rights during the Coronavirus pandemic.  These can be found here.

New (17th March, 2020) joint guidance has been issued by the NJC joint secretaries on Covid-19, with a focus on home working durring the Coronavirus outbreak.  This can be downloaded here.  This is applicable to Council, School, BCH and other workers who are employed on NJC Terms & Condition.