Coronavirus: Vulnerable staff urged to stay away as schools remain open under 'intolerable pressure'

The NASUWT, meanwhile, has warned the government about a “rising sense of panic” and the “intolerable pressure” facing schools and teachers.

It comes after prime minister Boris Johnson earlier this week said that everyone in the UK should stop "non-essential" travel and contact with others, working from home where possible. He has urged vulnerable members of society to self-isolate for 12 weeks from this weekend. However, he has still refused to close schools in the fight against coronavirus.

In a letter and video address to Mr Johnson on Tuesday (March 17), the NEU – which represents more than 450,000 teachers, lecturers, support staff and leaders across the UK – said that in light of his advice to vulnerable people, it would be advising its vulnerable members (or those members who care for vulnerable family members) to stay home from Monday (March 23) “at the latest”.