The below Press Release has been issued today.
NIPSA the largest Public Sector Union in Northern Ireland, representing almost 8,000 members across the Education workforce calls for clarity on contact tracing in schools.
Alan Law, Assistant Secretary stated:
“NIPSA has been inundated by members concerned about the change in procedures and emphasis in relation to close contact tracing and removal of some mitigation measures. The Department of Education and Public Health Authority must take immediate action to address these concerns. NIPSA does not accept that the new definition of close contacts has been designed around the safety of the workforce or pupils. It has led to significant anxiety amongst our membership working across education.
NIPSA met with Officials from PHA and DE and reiterated our concern that public confidence in the new arrangements was critical to their success. This warning appears to have fallen on deaf ears and we continue to respond to queries across our membership from concerned staff and parents about the safety of schools, the definition of close contacts and worries for the health, safety and well-being for their family members.
It’s essential that the education workforce has confidence that the environment they work in is safe and that their concerns are addressed without delay.”