TEACHERS are furious after Radio Scotland read out a text saying they had been on holiday for eight weeks.
The text, which was read out by Fiona Stalker on Thursday's Drivetime evening show, said it is "criminal and cruel" that schools have not reopened.
The presenter said: "No name, but certainly not holding back, they say 'appalled again hearing on the news that teachers want schools to open after the summer school holidays. What a joke – they've been off for eight weeks already. Criminal and cruel what's being done here, especially to primary one children'."
The message continued: "What has happened to the teaching profession being a vocation, and being dedicated to the children? Why do teachers think they need more special treatment than other council workers, bin men, police, fire, supermarket staff, the list goes on. Teachers always think they are a special case – me me me. Think of the children."
READ MORE: FM says Scotland will not take 'cavalier' approach to opening schools
Later in the show, Stalker said there had been a strong reaction to the text, adding: "I've got a couple of teacher friends who have texted me and I'm afraid I can't possibly read them out on air. Not at this time of the day anyway."
The broadcast of the message was met with a forceful backlash from Scottish teachers, with one writing in: "As a teacher who has been working full-time from home I find it highly insensitive that people think we aren't doing anything. We have had to rapidly change the way we work and have been doing our absolute best to keep our children educated.
"I think it's a joke that people want children back at school. Have they no understanding of how germs spread? I understand these are stressful times, but I don't think encouraging children into an environment where germs are easily spread is the right idea."
Regarding the "eight weeks" claim, another messaged: "Two of those weeks were actually school holidays and the other six weeks we've been delivering learning to our pupils through digital learning platforms and checking on them to measure their mental health and wellbeing.
"Obviously that texter hasn't got a clue what's happening behind the scenes for young people and maintaining routine and learning. Schools are not a babysitting service or a creche but an education service which continues while school buildings remain closed for the health and wellbeing of teachers."
A listner called Val agreed, adding: "Teachers should not return until safety is guaranteed. Why should anyone want their child to sit in an unsafe environment? It's not just themselves they are protecting, it's your children too. Your child may not show symptoms but they may carry the virus into your home. Don't people think about that?"
It comes as teaching unions urged the Scottish Government to state clearly that schools will not reopen until after the summer holidays.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon responded saying ministers will not take a “cavalier” approach to the issue.
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