EDUCATION unions demanded today that the government immediately publish data on the number of Covid-19 variant cases linked to schools and colleges.

Eight unions, which collectively represent the majority of school and college staff, wrote to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to insist that he releases Public Health England (PHE) figures on variant case numbers.

They are concerned that schools and colleges may be helping to spread the Indian variant after face coverings were no longer required in class from May 17.