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

Area Tree Officer (South)

Oxfordshire County Council
£34434 - £37280
About you Are you an experienced Tree Officer / Arboriculturist who wants a new challenge and the opportunity to deliver and influence tree retention and management across one of England’s most beautiful and diverse treescapes? Are you recently qualifie Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Officer - Applications and Data Management

Oxfordshire County Council
£34434 - £37280
About Us Oxfordshire County Council are leading the way in ensuring that we work efficiently and in a climate conscious way and this is only possible with the help of our Applications and Data Management Team. About the Role You will be providing system County Hall
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Work Apprentice

Oxfordshire County Council
£34434 - £37280
Together, we’re shaping children’s social care for the future. Every day, our colleagues are helping to transform the lives of the residents of Oxfordshire. In our Children, Education, & Families directorate, we’re committed to delivering lasting c Oxfordshire
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Local Authority Research Practitioner

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £47,229
Local Authority Research Practitioner
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairment

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Rehabilitation Officer Vision Impairmen... Twickenham, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner