Nicola Sturgeon Keeps Schools Open Despite Tough New Covid Crackdown
Schools Stay Open Amid New Restrictions
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that schools will remain open for the full three weeks despite fresh Covid restrictions hitting 11 council areas from 6pm Friday until December 11. Non-essential shops must close and non-essential travel is banned in these hotspot zones, mainly across west Scotland.
Unions Demand Blended Learning to Protect Staff
The NASUWT teaching union slammed the decision, urging a blended learning model where pupils alternate between home and school to minimise risk. NASUWT’s Scotland official Jane said:
“Pupils who are extremely clinically vulnerable shouldn’t attend school. But adults in level four areas who are clinically extremely vulnerable aren’t automatically exempt from work. Given the risks, vulnerable teachers should be advised to work from home.”
She added serious concerns remain for pregnant teachers, those with health conditions or disabilities, and BAME staff. “Ministers must introduce stronger protections for all at-risk staff,” she warned.
The Educational Institute of Scotland’s general secretary Larry Flanagan backed the call, saying keeping schools fully open is “at odds with effective virus suppression” and risks wider community transmission.
£21m NHS PPE Payday for Spanish Businessman Exposed
A Spanish businessman pocketed a staggering £21 million in taxpayer cash for supplying NHS gloves and gowns during the pandemic’s first wave, new court documents in the US reveal. Gabriel Gonzalez Andersson helped secure lucrative contracts through a jewellery designer turned PPE supplier, throwing fresh scrutiny on vast Covid procurement profits.
Boris Johnson Tests Negative But Isolating After Covid Contact
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has tested negative for Covid after exposure to an infected Conservative MP last Thursday. Johnson and six Tory MPs plus two aides are isolating for two weeks following a breakfast meeting. He chaired a virtual Cabinet session and will face Prime Minister’s Questions from home for the first time.
Relaxed Travel Rules to Save Christmas Poultry Supply
New travel rules now allow seasonal workers arriving in England to start work on poultry farms immediately, ensuring Christmas dinner supplies don’t collapse. Though they must quarantine away from the public for 14 days, they can work within closed “cohorts” and must leave by December 31. Industry bosses warn at least 1,000 EU workers are vital to meet demand.
