Viewers of Good Morning Britain have criticised Dr Hilary Jones for suggesting teachers should work weekends amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Dr Hilary was discussing schools reopening with Lorraine Kelly on Wednesday’s programme (June 10).
He suggested that teachers could work on weekends like other workers including police officers, doctors and nurses.
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What did Dr Hilary say?
He said: “When people say, ‘how are we going to get children back in to school?’ I just throw this idea out and it’ll probably upset lots of teachers but we have weekends.
“There are workers that work Saturdays and Sundays elsewhere. Police, doctors, nurses.
“If we opened up schools on Saturdays and Sundays, you’ve immediately got 28 per cent more capacity.”
Lorraine asked: “You have but where do you get the teachers?”
Dr Hilary replied: “Well the same teachers that aren’t working the other days of the week.
“It’s an idea but there are ways and means…”
Well the same teachers that aren’t working the other days of the week.
Lorraine said: “We’re all having to adapt. I do worry about teachers.
“We keep focusing on pupils, which you can understand that of course, but actually teachers it’s going to be really hard on them.”
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Viewers weren’t impressed with Dr Hilary’s comments.
What did they say?
One wrote on Twitter: “I think you need to get @DrHilaryJones to issue an apology about the reckless things he’s saying.
“Saying that teachers aren’t working during this time and that children aren’t spreading COVID – tell that to the teachers getting it!!!”
@GMB @thismorning I think you need to get @DrHilaryJones to issue an apology about the reckless things hes saying. Saying that teachers arent working during this time and that children arent spreading COVID – tell that to the teachers getting it!!!
— Frankie Rose (@CescaBeth) June 10, 2020
Another said: “At least @reallorraine stood up for #teachers in face of the absolute rubbish being said by @DrHilaryJones on @GMB this morning.
“Teachers are working non-stop to keep up with #HomeLearningUK marking and setting of work. We also have our own families.”
A third added: “@DrHilaryJones you are completely out of touch. As a teacher I work every day.
“You are being widely criticised by the teaching profession who have been working hard at home schooling as well as going in to teach vulnerable/key worker children.”
At least @reallorraine stood up for #teachers in face of the absolute rubbish being said by @DrHilaryJones on @GMB this morning. Teachers are working non-stop to keep up with #HomeLearningUK marking and setting of work. We also have our own families. #schoolsreopeninguk #schools
— Mr HαɾႦȥ -✌💙 (@harbz01) June 10, 2020
https://twitter.com/shelly_rando/status/1270644175948611584
@GMB @DrHilaryJones teachers are working EVERY day. Some in school face to face and the rest at home planning , preparing and delivering distance learning. We kept schools open during Easter and half term. Please correct this misconception.
— Kate C #gotyourbacknhs (@thatsgoodgravy) June 10, 2020
However, one viewer appeared to agree with Dr Hilary.
Great idea Dr Hilary re teachers working weekends. Also the teachers have already essentially had their holidays whilst we’ve had lockdown. No need for any more holidays now before Christmas. #Lorraine
— NiceGuyAlbi 🇬🇧🇭🇰 (@YTVChase) June 10, 2020
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