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British student during the corona test (symbolic image)
Photo:
OLI SCARFF / AFP
The omicron wave leads to numerous new infections in England - many teachers are also on sick leave.
In order to alleviate the shortage of staff at least a little, around 500 retirees have offered to help out in the schools.
This is based on preliminary figures released by the British Ministry of Education on Wednesday.
Education Minister Nadhim Zahawi had called on retired teachers to make themselves available as temporary help.
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At the start of school after the Christmas break, about one in twelve teachers in England was on sick leave, according to the Ministry of Education.
That corresponds to around 44,000 employees.
The Association of School and College Leaders welcomed the willingness of the retirees.
The association's general secretary, Geoff Barton, also called the support "a drop in the ocean" because it would not solve the problem.
The government must do more to ensure the safety of schools, such as better ventilation of classrooms and more tests.
Fok / dpa
