Mark Whitehead 06 April 2017

Teaching assistants end long-running pay dispute with council

Teaching assistants in Derby have voted overwhelmingly to end a ten-month campaign of strike action over pay and working time.

They voted none-to-one to accept the latest offer from Derby City Council and end the dispute which has led to school closures.

Changes imposed by the council last June meant staff lost up to £6,000 a year as their contracts were reduced from 52 to 44.5 weeks a year, while weekly hours were also increased from 32.5 to 37 with no extra pay.

The settlement involves compensation payments to some of the worst-hit workers from a £2m fund and a new flexible 52-week contract for all support staff.

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: 'School support staff are relieved this dispute is behind them.

'Now they can concentrate on the great work they do helping children in the city's schools.'

Cllr Baggy Shanker, cabinet member for finance and governance at Derby City Council, said: 'We are delighted that the positive ballot result of Unison members brings to an end this long running dispute.

'The council recognises the commitment of parents and the school community across Derby - the valuable contribution all our employees, teaching assistants, teachers and governors make to the lives of our young people.

'Our schools and our school employees can now concentrate on what they do best - educating Derby's children.'

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