TEACHERS and school staff are thinking of leaving the profession after a 'tough year', according to a union representative.

Chris Brooksbank, of the Cumbria branch of the National Education, said staff had struggled to traverse the pandemic and other difficulties in 2021.

And criticising government communication during the pandemic, he said schools had been 'left out to dry' in having to make difficult decisions.

Mr Brooksbank, the Cumbria NEU secretary, said: "It's been a really tough year.

"Probably 2021 has been harder for schools than 2020.

"That's because of the pressures that have been put on them and the lack of clarity that's been given centrally.

"They've been left out to dry.

"There's been a whole raft of things that have been changed at the last minute.

"To be sent an email the night before is just insane.

"It's an endless catalogue for schools and headteachers.

"It's no surprise they are taking decisions to leave."

He said schools having to decide on which pupils were allowed to be on-site during restrictions was a burden for staff.

The year also saw secondary schools play a part in the roll-out of the Covid vaccine for teenagers.

Teachers and pupils from schools including Furness Academy in Barrow were targeted by anti-vaccine protesters at the school gates.

"If they are intimidating children or staff then that needs to be tackled and stopped," Mr Brooksbank said.

"If it's causing distress then we need to take action to stop that."

Mr Brooksbank said there was a shortage of supply staff in the county, making Covid-related teacher absences even more difficult for schools.

He shot down a recent suggestion from the Government that retired teachers should 'come forward and join the national mission' and return to the profession in January.

"I doubt they will get more than a few.

"If they have been retired six months they might think about it.

"I've got a friend who's been retired for two years. He went back in the lockdowns but he say 'no it's too dangerous'.

"The infection rate in schools is three or four times what it is in the wider community."