Unions will be monitoring safety and other issues in schools and colleges into the winter as staff experience their first normal new academic year since 2019.

Along with other education unions, Fórsa plans to engage with school managements and the education department if issues arise.

Fórsa official Shane Lambert said SNAs, school secretaries, caretakers and other generally welcomed a return to schools without restrictions.

“Whilst it’s welcome to be free of any restrictions and mingle with the children, friends and colleagues as normal, we will be on the lookout for any problems that arise. We wish all our members across schools and education the very best for the year ahead,” he said.

Shane stressed that communication was a two-way street.

“We will do our best to keep members appraised of industrial relations developments that happen – and of all the benefits that are available to Fórsa members. But members need to keep us appraised of developments or issues within schools as they arise. The earlier we know about a problem, the better a chance we have of resolving it,” he said.

He urged Fórsa members to contact their local rep if they needed advice or assistance.