Teaching assistants at two special education needs (SEN) schools in Essex have suspended planned strikes after receiving a new offer from employer Lift, says UNISON today.
Workers at Columbus School & College in Chelmsford and Pioneer School in Basildon had been due to walk out on Monday (2 March) as they pushed for an allowance recognising the extra skills and responsibilities needed to support SEN pupils.
Staff carry out intimate and personal care, deal with sometimes severe behavioural problems and administer medication alongside their regular classroom duties.
They had already taken eight strike days earlier in the year and were due to declare further days later in the term.
But in talks at conciliation service Acas this week, Lift made an improved offer.
UNISON and Lift are now ironing out details of the offer before staff vote on whether to accept proposals, says the union.
UNISON Eastern area organiser Bea Bartilucci said: “Staff are over the moon they’ll be able to go into work on Monday doing the jobs they love and supporting their students.
“All they wanted was proper recognition for their work. Lift’s offer still falls short of what workers asked for, but strikes have been suspended while the deal is being considered.”
