NEU threatens heads with legal action

THE UNION opposing the reopening of schools has written to every head in England warning they face legal action if teachers catch coronavirus.

The National Education Union (NEU) said schools could be pursued through the courts as its ups its campaign against the Government’s plan to get children back in classrooms from June 1.

It comes as the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, today releases its safety advice on the reopening schools, which informed the Government’s decision. Union critics said the report would ‘remove all their excuses’ for blocking reopening.

NEU boss Kevin Courtney has already instructed members to obstruct heads, by accusing them of violating law and ‘threatening’ to denounce them on social media.

Letters have now been sent to every school in England claiming the decision to reopen is on their ‘shoulders’, claiming they could be liable if teachers catch Covid-19 in their schools. ‘ We will be advising members of their legal rights should any member contract Covid-19 upon returning to school,’ the letter warns heads and college leaders.

The letter was denounced by school leaders, who said it was ‘not helpful’. Signed off by the NEU, GMB, Unison, and Unite, it claimed schools which follow Government guidance could be pursued in the courts.

‘We believe it is important you fully understand the potential liability you are exposing yourself to by following the current deeply flawed guidance’, the letter, reported