Special needs schools staff vote to go on strike

Staff at three schools for students with special educational needs (SEN) in Essex have voted to strike in a row over pay, a union has announced.

Teaching assistants, pastoral support workers and other support staff at schools run by the Lift Schools multi-academy trust voted 100% in favour of walkouts, Unison said.

Members at Columbus School and College in Chelmsford, Pioneer in Basildon and Lift Clacton are asking for SEN allowance.

The trust said it had put forward proposals which would result in an increase in pay.

The union is calling for SEN teachers at Lift to receive up to £5,500 extra per year in recognition of the responsibilities and skills in their roles.

It said they dealt with the bulk of behaviour management issues and that teachers could not do their jobs without them.

Unison claims the trust has "shrugged off" staff requests for months and has only just begun talks, bringing nothing meaningful to the table, which the trust disputes.

"It's appalling that Lift has forced staff to this point," said Unison area organiser Bea Bartilucci.

"All workers want is their contractual allowance recognising the extra skills and responsibilities that come with their jobs.

"Senior managers have spent months refusing to listen to staff. Staff shouldn't have to vote for strike action for their bosses to respond to their concerns.

"No-one wants to strike, but workers can't take any more disrespect."

Dates for potential strike action have not yet been set.

Lift Schools said it was in discussions with staff following the strike ballot and that concerns had been taken seriously.

It said it did not believe a universal SEN allowance was possible within Department for Education guidelines but had carried out a review of support staff pay.

"That review has now concluded, and we have put forward a proposal that would see an increase in pay for our support staff," a spokesperson said.

"We value deeply the skill, commitment and care shown by our support staff every day, and our priority is to support and retain the people who make such a difference to children and young people."

The trust said further talks with Unison would take place in January and it was "hopeful" a resolution will be found and disruption avoided.

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