SCIENTISTS, public health experts and parents have joined with unions to demand that essential Covid-19 safety protocols are retained in schools as lockdown restrictions are eased. 

The National Education Union, Unite, Unison, GMB and NASUWT published an open letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson today, expressing grave concern at reported plans to stop secondary school pupils in England having to wear masks in classrooms from May 17.  

The letter, co-signed by other education unions, more than 400 parents and nearly 20 leading scientists and public health experts, warns that a change in policy when rates of the virus are still significant “would have consequences for the health of our children, parents [and] communities.”