Flu and sickness bug overwhelms schools

Thousands of teachers and pupils are expected to call in sick this week as widespread outbreaks of flu and the norovirus "winter vomiting bug" threaten to disrupt schools across Britain. Teachers' unions warned that schools face a "tough time" when the new term starts tomorrow with flu cases up by 73 per cent on a year ago and the norovirus still rampant.Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "There are more people struggling with this very unpleasant flu bug, which seems to lay you low for weeks, and various forms of the norovirus. I think the beginning of term is going to be a tough time for schools."Staffing would inevitably be stretched, he added. "It's not like other workplaces where they carry on; if a teacher is off, the work doesn't get done. You can't have a classroom full... [read full story]                    

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