A teachers’ union says it is ’deeply concerned’ about some aspects of the Education Department’s response to the Covid crisis.

The NASUWT has written to Tynwald members criticising what it described as the department’s ’unacceptable’ action over supply teachers’ pay, the lack of personal protection equipment for teachers in special schools and the failure to halt redundancy plans.

Ms Chris Keates, the NASUWT’s acting general secretary, said: ’The DESC has indicated it will not pay supply teachers beyond 14 days, even where they had pre-booked assignments that have been cancelled due to the virus.

’This is likely to cause severe hardship to supply teachers, who are absolutely vital to the effective operation of the education service in normal times. It is simply unfair for them to be abandoned by their employer.

’Additionally, the NASUWT is also deeply concerned that the DESC is continuing to identify primary teachers for redundancy, despite the fact that the department simply cannot have any idea of what staffing levels will be when schools reopen.

’This flies in the face of legislation on redundancy which requires proper consultation and is causing unnecessary anxiety at an already difficult time.’

She said the current crisis has also shone a light on ’unacceptable’ practices at the SEN/special units in schools.

’Due to the nature of needs of the pupils in these units, social distancing is impossible and teachers are routinely exposed to bodily fluids, yet adequate PPE has never been provided, putting these teachers and other staff at risk.

’The NASUWT is disappointed that the DESC has not responded positively to our calls for these issues to be rectified.’