School staffing shortages are harming children’s education and safety, a survey by UNISON warns today (Friday).
Almost three in five (59%) support staff in schools reported having fewer colleagues than a year ago, with just 6% saying numbers have increased.
More than three quarters (78%) said there were not enough workers to meet pupils’ needs, with a similar number (77%) warning reduced staffing made it harder to keep pupils safe.
The UK-wide survey of almost 3,000 school workers – including teaching assistants, technicians, caterers and cleaners – found the main reason given for the shortage was the failure of schools to replace people when they leave.
UNISON says the knock-on effect is an increase in workloads and unpaid overtime for those who remain. But, despite their best efforts, they’re unable to provide enough support to pupils, run clubs or cover classes.
The union warns the situation is likely to get worse, as over three quarters (77%) of staff say they are worried about further budget cuts in the next 12 months, with almost two in five (38%) saying they’re actively looking for a better-paid job.
The findings have been released to coincide with Stars in our Schools, UNISON’s annual celebration of support staff, which is being marked in schools across the UK today.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson and UNISON London regional secretary Sara Gorton will be visiting Waverley School in Enfield – a special school for pupils with severe learning difficulties – at 11am. They will tour the school to meet staff and pupils, as well as take part in an art session.
UNISON head of education Mike Short said: “This survey paints a bleak picture of an underappreciated workforce going above and beyond. But even so, staff believe pupils’ education is suffering due to shortages.
“The situation is bad news for everybody and simply unsustainable. Overstretched employees are taking on extra responsibilities and doing teacher-level work for support staff wages.
“Schools need extra cash so they can replace people when they leave and afford fair pay rises for all their employees.
“The forthcoming school support staff negotiating body should mean better recognition of the vital contribution made by the likes of teaching assistants, caterers and technicians.
“Crucially, it must improve their pay and conditions, backed by the increased government funding that schools clearly need.”
Note to editors:
– The report is available here.
– UNISON carried out the survey of 2,951 school support staff in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland between 10 and 25 October 2024.
– 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: 07508 080349 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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