Mark Whitehead 04 September 2018

School support staff warn of 'intolerable workloads'

Cuts in funding are having a 'devastating effect' on school support staff, according to trade union Unison.

It says a survey shows spending cuts, staff restructuring and 'rocketing stress levels' are becoming the norm in UK schools.

In the report, Lessons in Austerity, almost nine in ten of the staff said cutbacks in their schools have had a noticeable effect.

More than 70% said they were carrying out duties that should be performed by someone at a higher level, and 35% that they were doing tasks without sufficient training.

More than four in five said they had experienced stress as a result of their workload in the past five years, while one in five needed to take time off sick as a result.

The union's head of education Jon Richards said: 'School support staff who haven’t already lost their jobs are buckling under intolerable workloads and mounting stress levels.

'They play a vital role in keeping children safe and schools running smoothly, they shouldn’t be seen as surplus to requirements when money is tight.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Targeted Early Help Practitioner

Wakefield Council
Grade 7 - Grade 8, 18.5 hours, Temporary
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to work part of a multidisciplinary team to support the delivery of the Targeted Early Help Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Apprentice - Business & Administration

Essex County Council
Up to £14567.00 per annum
Apprentice - Business & AdministrationFixed Term, Full Time£14,567 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Worker (North/West)

Oxfordshire County Council
£31537 - £34434
About Us We believe in relationships that make a difference and creating the space for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, this is where you belong. The Targeted Youth Support Service (TY Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Engagement and Customer Support Officer

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 9 £32,347 - £34,317 per annum
Are you passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and creating engaging communications? Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Engagement and Customer Support Manager

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 11 £39,865 - £43,270 per annum
Are you passionate about delivering outstanding customer service and building strong stakeholder relationships? Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner