Tories are ‘reckless’ over school safety

Teaching union NASUWT has criticised Conservative promises to “sweep away” health and safety law in schools as “reckless”.

Shadow schools secretary Michael Gove told the Tory party faithful at its conference that “we will act to give teachers the power to take children beyond their comfort zone by sweeping away absurd health and safety regulations which attempt to squeeze all risk out of life”.

Chris Keates, NASUWT general secretary, said Gove’s speech was low on detail, but was “tinged with chilling references to failed Conservative policies of the past” and will cause “deep alarm to any right-minded person”.

“It is nothing short of reckless to pledge to remove regulation which is fundamental to the health and welfare of young people and adults,” she said.