School staff supporting students with special educational needs (SEN) in Essex have voted overwhelmingly to strike over the lack of recognition and pay for their roles, UNISON says today.
Teaching assistants, pastoral support workers and other support staff at three schools run by the Lift Schools multi-academy trust – Columbus School & College in Chelmsford, Pioneer in Basildon and Lift Clacton – have voted 100% in favour of walkouts.
The specialist staff are asking for a SEN allowance. SEN teachers at Lift receive up to £5,500 extra a year to recognise the extra skills and responsibilities that come with their roles, says the union.
Support staff often deal with the bulk of behaviour management issues, as well as having responsibility for personal and medical care. Without them, teachers would be unable to do their jobs, adds the union.
More than 750 people, including staff and parents have signed a petition supporting the workers’ claim.
The union says that after months of shrugging off staff requests for an allowance, Lift bosses have finally started talks. But UNISON says the trust has yet to bring anything to the table that addresses staff concerns.
UNISON area organiser Bea Bartilucci said: “It’s appalling that Lift has forced staff to this point. 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. Lift needs to start having serious discussions with staff that properly recognise the massive contribution they make.”
