SCOTLAND'S largest teaching union has lodged grievances with two councils over what it claims are failures to facilitate phased returns of pupils.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said the Scottish Borders and Moray local authorities have also failed to properly consult and reach agreement with it and other trade unions, in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

Pupils in the Scottish Borders returned to school on Tuesday, while they will be back in classrooms in Moray on Wednesday.

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The EIS said a lack of discussion around the flexibility of phased returns means staff are under "intense pressure" over schools reopening.

Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the union, said about 80% of its members have expressed "deep concerns" about safety over the re-opening of schools.

He said: "The recent EIS national survey indicated majority support from members for industrial action if required, to ensure the safety of staff and pupils in our schools.

"We will always seek to resolve collective grievances through dialogue but councils such as Scottish Borders need to engage with the EIS and not seek to bypass proper discussions by claiming a 'corporate decision' has been made."

The EIS said the Scottish Borders Council grievance asks for a phased return of pupils and said that the council has responded by acknowledging the union's concerns but not acknowledging the grievance.

The union said it will be pursuing the matter.

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Scottish Borders Council, which is controlled by a Conservative and Independent coalition, has been contacted for comment.

A spokesperson for Moray Council, which is run by a minority SNP administration, said: "We discussed return to school guidance with trade unions throughout the school summer holidays and published this guidance following seven virtual consultations with head teachers prior to the start of term.

"There are arrangements in place across our schools to help pupils and staff phase back to normal in the first few days, including staggered starts and soft introductions to the curriculum, particularly for those in transition years of P1 and S1."