UNISON wins huge settlement for school meals workers

After a three-year battle, UNISON members working for a catering company in the North West have won a significant wages settlement.

In December 2020, in the midst of the second COVID-19 lockdown, school meals staff employed by Dolce were told that their hours would be reduced by an average of 20-25%, with some as much as 40%, and others were told they would be moved to zero-hours contracts.

Many were still expected to work the hours that they were originally contracted to do; UNISON national officer Leigh Powell explained: “Workers on 30-hour contracts saw their hours cut to 25 and were told that, if they ended up working 30, that extra five would have to be claimed as overtime.”

The changes were imposed by the employer right before Christmas, which resulted in an immediate pay cut for workers with longer-term implications for their holiday and sick pay.

The majority of workers affected are low-paid, female workers.

Ms Powell continued: “The employer’s argument was that, on returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdowns, school meals uptake was low and therefore profits were too low.”

UNISON lawyers brought a claim of unauthorised deduction of wages on behalf of 50 workers and won thousands of pounds for UNISON members at Dolce. Further to this, 23 additional workers who had TUPE-transferred to different employers have also settled for a substantial sum.

UNISON Salford City branch secretary Diane Ogg said: “Members at Salford UNISON are ecstatic they have won their legal claim against their employer. These are people who were classed as frontline workers in the pandemic, and had to endure immense stress at the hands of an employer who informed them that their hours and pay would be cut.”

“Through sheer determination and with the support of UNISON, these workers have fought for their rights and claimed a victory.”

Ms Powell said: “Whilst we are delighted that our members have got the money they are due, this issue highlights how lower-paid workers, particularly women, are losing out in the fragmented market that our school meals service has been reduced to.

“Dolce, like any other business, was seeking to maintain profits and it tried to do so at the expense of the workforce. We should be spending public money on ensuring children are fed well, not directing it into the hands of private shareholders.”

The article UNISON wins huge settlement for school meals workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON wins huge settlement for school meals workers

After a three-year battle, UNISON members working for a catering company in the North West have won a significant wages settlement.

In December 2020, in the midst of the second COVID-19 lockdown, school meals staff employed by Dolce were told that their hours would be reduced by an average of 20-25%, with some as much as 40%, and others were told they would be moved to zero-hours contracts.

Many were still expected to work the hours that they were originally contracted to do; UNISON national officer Leigh Powell explained: “Workers on 30-hour contracts saw their hours cut to 25 and were told that, if they ended up working 30, that extra five would have to be claimed as overtime.”

The changes were imposed by the employer right before Christmas, which resulted in an immediate pay cut for workers with longer-term implications for their holiday and sick pay.

The majority of workers affected are low-paid, female workers.

Ms Powell continued: “The employer’s argument was that, on returning to school after the COVID-19 lockdowns, school meals uptake was low and therefore profits were too low.”

UNISON lawyers brought a claim of unauthorised deduction of wages on behalf of 50 workers and won thousands of pounds for UNISON members at Dolce. Further to this, 23 additional workers who had TUPE-transferred to different employers have also settled for a substantial sum.

UNISON Salford City branch secretary Diane Ogg said: “Members at Salford UNISON are ecstatic they have won their legal claim against their employer. These are people who were classed as frontline workers in the pandemic, and had to endure immense stress at the hands of an employer who informed them that their hours and pay would be cut.”

“Through sheer determination and with the support of UNISON, these workers have fought for their rights and claimed a victory.”

Ms Powell said: “Whilst we are delighted that our members have got the money they are due, this issue highlights how lower-paid workers, particularly women, are losing out in the fragmented market that our school meals service has been reduced to.

“Dolce, like any other business, was seeking to maintain profits and it tried to do so at the expense of the workforce. We should be spending public money on ensuring children are fed well, not directing it into the hands of private shareholders.”

The article UNISON wins huge settlement for school meals workers first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Government should be investing in schools not banning strikes, says UNISON

Commenting on the launch today (Tuesday) of a government consultation into minimum service levels for schools during strikes, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“If school workers were paid properly, strikes would be rare.

“The government hasn’t invested in essential services or their workforces. Industrial action is often the only option if staff are to have any hope of keeping pay at decent levels, and sparing schools an endless recruitment nightmare.

“No one strikes at a whim. It means losing a day’s pay and few can afford that. Strikes remain a last resort, with workers forced to jump through multiple hoops to exercise their legal right.

“Yet these measures could prevent some school staff from ever striking again. That’s not the behaviour of a democratic government.

“This legislation is a desperate attempt to prop up a government that’s lost the plot. Ministers would rather pick fights with unions and appease their right-wing backbenchers than improve the country.

“The best way to boost education and public services across the board is to get rid of this failed government.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Government should be investing in schools not banning strikes, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Government should be investing in schools not banning strikes, says UNISON

Commenting on the launch today (Tuesday) of a government consultation into minimum service levels for schools during strikes, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“If school workers were paid properly, strikes would be rare.

“The government hasn’t invested in essential services or their workforces. Industrial action is often the only option if staff are to have any hope of keeping pay at decent levels, and sparing schools an endless recruitment nightmare.

“No one strikes at a whim. It means losing a day’s pay and few can afford that. Strikes remain a last resort, with workers forced to jump through multiple hoops to exercise their legal right.

“Yet these measures could prevent some school staff from ever striking again. That’s not the behaviour of a democratic government.

“This legislation is a desperate attempt to prop up a government that’s lost the plot. Ministers would rather pick fights with unions and appease their right-wing backbenchers than improve the country.

“The best way to boost education and public services across the board is to get rid of this failed government.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk

The article Government should be investing in schools not banning strikes, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials, says UNISON 

School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).

A ?UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes and stationery for their hard-up pupils.

The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is being marked in schools across the UK today.

The report paints a picture of these workers going above and beyond to assist pupils from deprived backgrounds, despite having their own financial worries.  Over a third (36%) had helped with food or packed lunches, 34% with uniform and one in five (22%) with books and stationery.

However, almost all the school employees (96%) surveyed say they fear their pay isn’t enough to cover their own spiralling bills and other household costs.

One in seven workers (14%) have used food banks in the past year, and more than two-fifths (45%) say they’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Top of their concerns is being able to pay for heating and eating. Nine in 10 (89%) support staff said they were anxious they wouldn’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar percentage (90%) worried about food costs.

To try and save cash, one in five (20%) said they were only heating one room, while almost two-thirds (65%) were simply not using their heating at all.

The survey found that financial pressures are forcing lots of employees to take on extra work, with many considering quitting education for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

More than a quarter (26%) had taken a second or third job and more than two-fifths (46%) are looking for more lucrative roles. Those wanting to get out of the school sector said they are eyeing up jobs in administration, hospitality and retail.

UNISON is warning that an exodus of support staff would put even more pressure on the colleagues left behind. The survey found that over half (52%) of staff already do unpaid overtime every week.

The report lays bare the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pupils and their families, says UNISON. As well as more children showing signs of neglect and turning up to school hungry, staff also reported an increase in the number of parents needing financial and emotional support.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Even though school staff are not well-off themselves, they’re still doing what they can for their pupils. Their generosity and dedication are to be applauded, but it is truly shocking that employees struggling to make ends meet are having to bail out less fortunate families.

“This can’t continue. The report identifies thousands of staff who are being attracted to jobs in retail and hospitality, with less responsibility and better pay.

“But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay should better reflect the invaluable support they provide.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
– Stars in Our Schools is UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff. They are the caterers, administrative staff, finance officers, teaching assistants and cleaners who help children learn, keep them safe and make sure schools run smoothly. Schools across the UK are hosting a range of activities today including coffee mornings and special assemblies to say thank you to their support
staff.
– UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will be joining staff and pupils at Newark Orchard School in Nottinghamshire for their presentation assembly at 2pm. She will meet support staff including local Stars in our Schools nominees.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk 

The article Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials

Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials, says UNISON 

School support staff are using their own money to help pay for pupils’ food and clothing, even though many are struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis themselves, says UNISON today (Friday).

A ?UK-wide survey of more than 13,000 school workers reveals that staff – including teaching assistants, caterers and cleaners – are buying food, clothes and stationery for their hard-up pupils.

The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff, which is being marked in schools across the UK today.

The report paints a picture of these workers going above and beyond to assist pupils from deprived backgrounds, despite having their own financial worries.  Over a third (36%) had helped with food or packed lunches, 34% with uniform and one in five (22%) with books and stationery.

However, almost all the school employees (96%) surveyed say they fear their pay isn’t enough to cover their own spiralling bills and other household costs.

One in seven workers (14%) have used food banks in the past year, and more than two-fifths (45%) say they’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat financially.

Top of their concerns is being able to pay for heating and eating. Nine in 10 (89%) support staff said they were anxious they wouldn’t have enough money to pay their energy bills, with a similar percentage (90%) worried about food costs.

To try and save cash, one in five (20%) said they were only heating one room, while almost two-thirds (65%) were simply not using their heating at all.

The survey found that financial pressures are forcing lots of employees to take on extra work, with many considering quitting education for better-paid jobs elsewhere.

More than a quarter (26%) had taken a second or third job and more than two-fifths (46%) are looking for more lucrative roles. Those wanting to get out of the school sector said they are eyeing up jobs in administration, hospitality and retail.

UNISON is warning that an exodus of support staff would put even more pressure on the colleagues left behind. The survey found that over half (52%) of staff already do unpaid overtime every week.

The report lays bare the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on pupils and their families, says UNISON. As well as more children showing signs of neglect and turning up to school hungry, staff also reported an increase in the number of parents needing financial and emotional support.

UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “Even though school staff are not well-off themselves, they’re still doing what they can for their pupils. Their generosity and dedication are to be applauded, but it is truly shocking that employees struggling to make ends meet are having to bail out less fortunate families.

“This can’t continue. The report identifies thousands of staff who are being attracted to jobs in retail and hospitality, with less responsibility and better pay.

“But support staff are vital to the smooth running of schools and the experiences of pupils. Their pay should better reflect the invaluable support they provide.”

Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
– Stars in Our Schools is UNISON’s annual celebration of school support staff. They are the caterers, administrative staff, finance officers, teaching assistants and cleaners who help children learn, keep them safe and make sure schools run smoothly. Schools across the UK are hosting a range of activities today including coffee mornings and special assemblies to say thank you to their support
staff.
– UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea will be joining staff and pupils at Newark Orchard School in Nottinghamshire for their presentation assembly at 2pm. She will meet support staff including local Stars in our Schools nominees.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.

Media contacts:
Dan Ashley M: 07908 672893 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk 

The article Cash-strapped school support staff are paying for pupils’ essentials first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament

On Tuesday 21 November, MPs from across the political spectrum joined UNISON at a parliamentary event celebrating the work of school support staff.

The event was hosted in the run-up to the union’s annual celebration day, Stars in Our Schools, on Friday 24 November.

Stars in Our Schools highlights the vital role of support staff in helping children learn, keeping them safe and happy, and ensuring schools run smoothly. These are roles including caterers, cleaners, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians and technicians.

The drop-in event, hosted by Kim Johnson MP, gave politicians the opportunity to show their support for schools staff and hear about the problems they face.

UNISON members Sue Ryles (pictured above, left) and Claire Stanhope (pictured above, right) shared their experiences with MPs including John McDonnell (centre) and Paula Barker (pictured below). Sue is a teaching assistant in Great Yarmouth and Claire is a nursery nurse and schools convenor in Oxfordshire.

Paula Barker MP holding a 'Stars in Our Schools' sign

Claire said: “It was great to speak not only to my own MP, but to MPs from across the UK. We talked about the crisis with SEND schools, that there is a lack of places for the children that has a knock-on effect on SEND children being in mainstream school where, although the support staff do a wonderful job, they haven’t had adequate training.

“Mental health problems are on the rise in schools but the training for staff to help the children isn’t adequate. The schools budgets have been cut and it’s normally the support staff that are the ones that the schools cut first.

“I was happy to hear from some MPs that they would fight for more funding for school and support staff, and adequate training for staff to be able to support SEND children and children struggling with their mental health”

UNISON national officer Joanna Parry said: “Stars in Our Schools is about recognising and celebrating the huge contribution support staff make in schools and it was great that MPs were able to join us to mark the occasion.

“More importantly, it gave an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the urgent issues that need addressing in schools. It is crucial that schools – and those who work in them – have the investment they desperately need”

Find out more about Stars In Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament

On Tuesday 21 November, MPs from across the political spectrum joined UNISON at a parliamentary event celebrating the work of school support staff.

The event was hosted in the run-up to the union’s annual celebration day, Stars in Our Schools, on Friday 24 November.

Stars in Our Schools highlights the vital role of support staff in helping children learn, keeping them safe and happy, and ensuring schools run smoothly. These are roles including caterers, cleaners, admin staff, finance officers, teaching assistants, librarians and technicians.

The drop-in event, hosted by Kim Johnson MP, gave politicians the opportunity to show their support for schools staff and hear about the problems they face.

UNISON members Sue Ryles (pictured above, left) and Claire Stanhope (pictured above, right) shared their experiences with MPs including John McDonnell (centre) and Paula Barker (pictured below). Sue is a teaching assistant in Great Yarmouth and Claire is a nursery nurse and schools convenor in Oxfordshire.

Paula Barker MP holding a 'Stars in Our Schools' sign

Claire said: “It was great to speak not only to my own MP, but to MPs from across the UK. We talked about the crisis with SEND schools, that there is a lack of places for the children that has a knock-on effect on SEND children being in mainstream school where, although the support staff do a wonderful job, they haven’t had adequate training.

“Mental health problems are on the rise in schools but the training for staff to help the children isn’t adequate. The schools budgets have been cut and it’s normally the support staff that are the ones that the schools cut first.

“I was happy to hear from some MPs that they would fight for more funding for school and support staff, and adequate training for staff to be able to support SEND children and children struggling with their mental health”

UNISON national officer Joanna Parry said: “Stars in Our Schools is about recognising and celebrating the huge contribution support staff make in schools and it was great that MPs were able to join us to mark the occasion.

“More importantly, it gave an opportunity for MPs to hear firsthand about the urgent issues that need addressing in schools. It is crucial that schools – and those who work in them – have the investment they desperately need”

Find out more about Stars In Our Schools

The article Stars in Our Schools goes to Parliament first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Twinkle, twinkle: Stars in Our Schools is back

Friday 24 November is the day when UNISON celebrates the huge contribution of support staff to our children’s education.

The aim of the celebration day is to showcase and bring attention to the vital work support staff do, every day, to help children progress, keep them safe and healthy and keep schools running smoothly.

There are a variety of support staff roles including teaching assistants, site managers, catering staff, welfare staff, technicians, admin staff and cleaners, among others.

As much of this work is done behind the scenes, support staff don’t get the attention they deserve. This includes members working in early years settings, so not only will we be celebrating Stars in Our Schools, this year we’ll also be celebrating Early Years Stars too.

All types of schools and early years settings are encouraged to take part this November. Over the past few years, primaries, secondaries, special schools, academies and faith schools have all got involved in a variety of ways – including holding special assemblies, coffee mornings, sports afternoons or learning events.

Some have invited their local MPs to visit and witness first hand what support staff do. Others have held fancy dress days, organised quizzes or asked the children to interview support staff to find out more about their role.

We know schools and early years settings are under huge pressure at the moment. It remains more important than ever for UNISON to highlight the valuable and fantastic contributions of support staff. We would love you to get involved and celebrate on 24 November, but it can be anytime in November if that works better.

We would also love for you to share your photos of your celebrations with us on social media – remember to use the hashtags #starsinourschools #earlyyearsstars

Ordering merchandise
There is a range of merchandise available to order for both Stars in Our Schools and Early Years Stars. To ensure you receive them in good time, you must place your order no later than 6 October.

Resources
There are lots of free resources on the website to help you celebrate the day, from social media assets, PowerPoint slides, letter templates and more. Keep checking the website as we make regular updates.

Prize draw
We are running an exciting prize draw where anyone can nominate a support staff member who they think is a Star. The winning Star and the person who nominates them both win a £25 shopping voucher, per region, so there are 24 prizes up for grabs. Nominations opens on the website from mid-October.

The article Twinkle, twinkle: Stars in Our Schools is back first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Twinkle, twinkle: Stars in Our Schools is back

Friday 24 November is the day when UNISON celebrates the huge contribution of support staff to our children’s education.

The aim of the celebration day is to showcase and bring attention to the vital work support staff do, every day, to help children progress, keep them safe and healthy and keep schools running smoothly.

There are a variety of support staff roles including teaching assistants, site managers, catering staff, welfare staff, technicians, admin staff and cleaners, among others.

As much of this work is done behind the scenes, support staff don’t get the attention they deserve. This includes members working in early years settings, so not only will we be celebrating Stars in Our Schools, this year we’ll also be celebrating Early Years Stars too.

All types of schools and early years settings are encouraged to take part this November. Over the past few years, primaries, secondaries, special schools, academies and faith schools have all got involved in a variety of ways – including holding special assemblies, coffee mornings, sports afternoons or learning events.

Some have invited their local MPs to visit and witness first hand what support staff do. Others have held fancy dress days, organised quizzes or asked the children to interview support staff to find out more about their role.

We know schools and early years settings are under huge pressure at the moment. It remains more important than ever for UNISON to highlight the valuable and fantastic contributions of support staff. We would love you to get involved and celebrate on 24 November, but it can be anytime in November if that works better.

We would also love for you to share your photos of your celebrations with us on social media – remember to use the hashtags #starsinourschools #earlyyearsstars

Ordering merchandise
There is a range of merchandise available to order for both Stars in Our Schools and Early Years Stars. To ensure you receive them in good time, you must place your order no later than 6 October.

Resources
There are lots of free resources on the website to help you celebrate the day, from social media assets, PowerPoint slides, letter templates and more. Keep checking the website as we make regular updates.

Prize draw
We are running an exciting prize draw where anyone can nominate a support staff member who they think is a Star. The winning Star and the person who nominates them both win a £25 shopping voucher, per region, so there are 24 prizes up for grabs. Nominations opens on the website from mid-October.

The article Twinkle, twinkle: Stars in Our Schools is back first appeared on the UNISON National site.