UNISON calls for nurseries to close during lockdown

The union UNISON has said that pre-schools, including nurseries, should close except to educate the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable.

The union is urging the government to reconsider its decision to keep early-years establishments open​, despite concerns over a new coronavirus strain. The union also says that early-years staff should also be made a priority for vaccination and mass testing, with employees not expected to go into work until these safety measures are put in place.

Jon Richards, UNISON head of education, said: “Keeping nurseries and other pre-schools open puts staff and communities at risk. Social distancing is impossible with young children and the government has yet to publish the scientific evidence to justify ​nurseries being treated differently to schools.

“​The decision seems ​to have been taken with little regard to the health and safety of ​employees. Ministers must treat ​nurseries the same as schools, as in the first lockdown. Staff must be ​a priority​ for vaccinations and mass testing.”