and layer of pressure. in a statement, the department for education says it has put in place a covid workplace fund to cover the cost of schools with staffing pressures as a result of the pandemic. the term is nearly over for the pupils and staff at ash green primary — the christmas holiday a break from the stress of teaching in a pandemic. but with new variants, there are fears of more disruption, as staff wait to see what the new year will bring. elaine dunkley, bbc news, in halifax. the headlines on bbc news... scotland�*s france minister nicholas surgeons tightens restrictions saying she doesn�*t want people to cancel christmas but because for less household mixing to curb the spread of omicron. mps are debating the government�*s plans for tougher rules in england, including the introduction of covid passes to gain entry to large events. government