UNION bosses have called for a phased return to the classroom, fearing the rush for all children and staff to return at once could “cost lives”.

Southend Unison have voiced grave concerns for a mass return to school on March 8 and are instead calling on bosses to keep schools closed until after the Easter holiday.

The union say this delay would buy five weeks for even more vaccinations to be delivered, and for infection to drop to “the levels NHS chiefs and most scientists say is needed”.

It’s hoped the move would allow a safe and staged re-opening of schools that could last through the summer term. 

Unison branch secretary Claire Wormald, said: “Current plans risk undoing all the gains from the lockdown and plunging us back into the chaos we saw in schools before Christmas. U

“Our members, who often have children in local schools themselves, were fearful and anxious as year groups and bubbles were yo-yoing in and out of school, and colleagues were falling ill.”

Read more:

World famous Down's Syndrome widow pleased to get her Covid jab

Boozing thugs steal alcohol from newsagents for second time in a week

Union members say plans for a mass return will mean that around 12 million children, teachers and support staff - around a fifth of the population - will suddenly be forced back into our schools when the rate of infection remains “dangerously high”. 

The group believe smaller pupil bubbles, prioritising vaccines for all school staff and taking measures to reduce infection risks such as improving ventilation, will all contribute to a safer return.

She added: “Our members, just like parents and carers want schools open and we know many children desperately need to return to their school community. 

“However, we need that to be a sustainable and safe return to ensure schools don’t just help drive community infections back up again.

“We cannot afford to see a return to spiralling infection rates and the consequent tragic loss of life. 

“Our proposals are for a cautious and gradual planned approach that would ensure schools are open fully as soon as it’s safe and that this time they would actually stay open.”