EDUCATION union NEU called on the government today to do more to support teachers after new stats revealed that school staff were 37 per cent more likely to catch Covid-19 than other workers. 

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed people working in the education sector continued to be more likely to test positive for Covid-19 in comparison with other working adults in the fortnight ending November 28. School staff were up to 1.5 times more likely to test positive for Covid-19. 

The ONS’s survey claims the higher risk was likely down to the recent high infection levels among school-aged children, with these levels remaining consistent since September.

The data also includes a small number of individuals registering positive with the omicron variant in the latter part of November. 

The union warned that the increased likelihood of children having Covid and the exponential rise of omicron would only see the situation worsen for staff. 

NEU joint general secretary Kevin Courtney said: “These figures explain why so many staff are having to miss school due to a positive test and having to isolate. Some may have to be off longer with more serious symptoms. 

“Teachers, support staff and school leaders are working hard to keep schools running, but the government really needs to stand behind and help them. 

“These figures underline the necessity of the calls we have been making for mitigations — for ventilation and air filtration, for mask-wearing, for isolation of siblings of positive cases to ensure Covid infection rates remain as low as possible in schools and colleges.”

Despite some new measures being implemented by the government — including further need for mask-wearing — there are concerns these figures will worsen in January. 

Mr Courtney warned of the serious consequences for schools and colleges simply because there weren’t enough staff to maintain education. 

He said: “The government needs to commit to these mitigations, to accelerate the vaccination of secondary children and to seek to mobilise ex-teachers to supplement the pool of exhausted supply staff.”

It was revealed today that Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi has urged school leaders to encourage ex-teachers “to sign up” to help with Covid-19 staff shortages.

In an email to heads, the minister said the government was looking at what measures to put in place “to boost supply capacity,” adding that Department for Education officials have begun to discuss plans with key stakeholders.

The Education Secretary added: “We will work with sector leaders and supply agencies over the coming days to offer advice to ex-teachers who want to provide support to schools and colleges.”