In a revealing analysis, it has come to light that school support staff in the UK lost over £2.2 billion in potential earnings last year due to restrictive term-time contracts. This finding, published by the GMB union, underscores the financial strain faced by these essential workers, who include teaching assistants, cleaners, caterers, and administrative staff. The union is now advocating for a substantial pay rise to address this disparity.
Financial Impact of Term-Time Contracts
The GMB union’s research highlights that nearly 800,000 school support staff working under term-time-only contracts miss out on significant earnings. If these employees were compensated for the full 52 weeks of the year instead of just 44, their annual salaries could increase by as much as £4,094. Stacey Booth, a national officer for GMB, stated, “Hard-up school support staff are being discriminated against by these term-time-only contracts. They miss out on more than £4,000 each – every single year.”
The financial inequity becomes even more pronounced when compared to teaching staff and council workers, who do not face the same limitations. Booth further articulated the plight of support staff, emphasising that their contributions are vital yet undervalued.
Unions Join Forces for Fair Compensation
In light of these findings, GMB, along with fellow unions Unison and Unite, is calling for a minimum pay rise of £3,000 or a 10% increase for the 2026/27 financial year—whichever figure is greater. Additionally, they are advocating for a minimum hourly wage of £15. The unions argue that real wages for local government employees have plummeted by over 26% since 2010, exacerbating the challenges many face with rising household costs and energy bills.
Currently, school support staff negotiate their pay and conditions through the National Joint Council (NJC), the same body that represents council workers. Although the government has pledged to establish a dedicated School Support Staff Negotiating Body, it is not expected to be operational until the 2027/28 fiscal year.
Government Response and Parental Guidance
In a related development, the government is set to introduce a new guide aimed at helping parents address grievances with their child’s school. This initiative comes in response to a notable increase in disputes, some of which have escalated to aggressive confrontations. The five-step process, created in collaboration with the Department for Education (DfE), the charity Parentkind, and Ofsted, seeks to promote a more constructive and respectful dialogue between parents and educational institutions.
This guide aims to provide clarity and support for parents, ensuring that concerns can be raised effectively without unnecessary conflict.
Why it Matters
The financial struggles faced by school support staff reflect a broader issue within the education sector, highlighting systemic inequalities that have persisted for years. As the demand for fair compensation grows louder, it is crucial that policymakers address these disparities not just for the benefit of support staff, but for the overall health of the educational system. Ensuring that these vital workers receive fair pay is integral not only to their livelihoods but also to the quality of education that students receive. As the situation unfolds, the response from government bodies and educational institutions will be pivotal in shaping a more equitable landscape for all education professionals.
