“Cuts like these simply aren’t acceptable”: Support staff at Derbyshire schools set to strike over jobs and pay
Support staff at two multi-academy trusts have voted overwhelmingly for strike action over plans that could lead to job losses and significant pay cuts.
Staff working across 22 schools in the Our Lady of Lourdes and St Ralph Sherwin trusts backed industrial action by majorities of 98% and 94% on Monday, March 16.
The workers include teaching assistants, administrative staff, chaplaincy teams and other support roles at schools across Derbyshire.
Strike action is due to take place next week, on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25.
UNISON says that proposals put forward by the trusts could see some staff have their salaries cuts, while others could face a risk of redundancy.
Worries were also raised about the potential impact on pupils, with concerns about fewer support workers in classrooms.
UNISON regional schools lead Josie Lloyd said: “School support staff are dedicated workers who take enormous pride in helping pupils. But cuts like these simply aren’t acceptable.
“Slashing the wages of some of the lowest-paid employees, while expecting them to do the same or even more work, is neither fair nor sustainable.
“Staff want to be in school helping pupils thrive. The trusts can’t be allowed to balance their books on the backs of workers struggling to make ends meet.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive Officer at the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: "All of our employees are aware that collectively, as a group of 25 schools and centrally, we are in a financially challenging situation, like many other schools and academy trusts across the country.
"As part of this plan, we have announced proposed changes to staffing structures at some schools and our central team and we are now in a phase of consultation with those affected.
"We hope to achieve the savings we need to through voluntary means and compulsory redundancies would always be a last resort.”
Our Lady of Lourdes Trust confirmed the proposals were set to affect small numbers of schools, with a full consultation process underway.
A spokesperson for Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi‑Academy Trust said: “Our priority is to deliver high‑quality Catholic education and care for children while continuing to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of all our 36 schools.
“These proposals are now subject to a full consultation process with the colleagues who may be affected."
Derbyshire schools affected include St John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy in Ilkeston, St Thomas's Catholic Primary School, Ilkeston, Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton, St Elizabeth's Catholic Voluntary Academy, Belper and Joseph's Catholic Voluntary Academy, Matlock.