The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has called for the provision that has allowed pregnant teachers to work remotely to be continued after the Easter break.
Throughout the phased re-opening this year, which has to date seen significantly smaller numbers of students in school buildings than will be the case after Easter, pregnant teachers have been allowed to work remotely.
The Department of Education has not yet clarified if this will remain the case after the Easter break and the union has been contacted by numerous pregnant teachers who have expressed serious concerns and anxieties about returning to their schools.
TUI is also seeking clarification on the arrangements for the high-risk and over-60 teachers who have been allowed to teach remotely during the phased re-opening.
Speaking today, TUI President Martin Marjoram said:
‘Throughout the phased re-opening of schools since the 22nd February, pregnant teachers have been allowed to work remotely. As it stands, the Department has not yet issued guidance on whether this provision will be continued from the 12th of April.
In recent days, we have been contacted by numerous pregnant teachers who are extremely concerned and anxious about potentially returning to workplaces, particularly in a situation where all year groups will have returned. They are finding the lack of clarification on this extremely stressful.
We are calling today on the Department of Education to alleviate the serious worry and concern that this is causing by announcing that these teachers will continue to be allowed to work remotely, should they choose to do so.
Making such an announcement sooner rather than later will greatly ease the stress being experienced by these teachers and will also allow schools to make whatever adjustments and arrangements that may be needed to ensure consistency of provision to students.
We are also seeking clarification on the arrangements for the high-risk and over-60 teachers who have been allowed to teach remotely during the phased-reopening.’